Smaller pest species of gull such as the Common Gull & Black Headed Gull can reach up to 42cm (16.5 inches) in length and 480g (16oz) in weight. Whilst the larger Herring, Lesser & Greater Black Backed Gulls can reach up to 78cm (30 inches) in length and 2kg (4.4lbs) in weight.
Gulls are one of the rare animals that are able to drink salt water. They have special glands (located above the eyes) which eliminate excess salt from the body.
A Gull’s diet includes different types of insects, earthworms, small rodents, reptiles and amphibians. They also consume seeds, fruits and leftovers of human meals.
Gulls are very intelligent birds. They use bread crumbs to attract fish and produce rain-like sound with their feet to attract earthworms hidden under the ground. Gulls transfer all their hunting skills and techniques to their offspring.
Gulls often steal food from other birds, animals and people. They occasionally eat young members of their own species.
Gulls mate for life. Mating couples gather each year during the mating season to reproduce and to take care of their offspring.
Gulls use wide repertoire of sounds and body language for communication.
Gulls live in colonies that consist of few pairs of birds or couple of thousands birds. Breeding couples occupy and defend their territory from the nearby couples.
Depending on the species, females can lay one, two or three dark brown or olive green eggs. Incubation period lasts 22 to 26 days. Fathers play very important role in feeding of chicks. Young birds live in nursery flocks where they learn all skill required for independent life.
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