Laughing Gull Larus atricilla
- IdentificationVisual tips about this species
- BehaviourHabitat, behaviour, and food
- PopulationSubspecies and numbers
- ReproductionNesting and eggs
Identification
An adult Laughing Gull will be easily spotted since it has the back colour of a Lesser Black-backed Gull but the size and head pattern of a Mediterranean Gull. The first winter bird is also distinctive as it has a broad, dusky grey band around its breast.
Ageing
1st winter birds are generally greyer, with grey extending up the back of the neck, breast and flanks, contrasting with whiter throat, forehead and belly. A darker patch on ear coverts extends to rear of crown. The coverts on the wings are usually mottled brownish.
Voice
As you might expect, Laughing Gulls do make a laughing sound but this is usually when they are interacting with other Laughing Gulls.
Sexing
Sexes similar.
Length
36-41cm
Behaviour
Migration
Birds in northern breeding range winter in southern breeding range, leaving breeding colonies in late July- early August. Atlantic breeding birds slowly move south in mid-August to winter in southern USA to Amazon, returning north from mid-March to mid-May.
Habitat
They often consort with other gulls, especially in coastal areas but also on playing fields, refuse tips or in gull roosts inland.
Food
Mainly fish, crustaceans and insects. Sometimes predates eggs and chicks.
Population trends
Now stable in the US despite severe hunting in 19th century. Since then it has recovered, only to face competition from larger gull species.
Subspecies
Only one race occurs within the region.
Population in Britain and Ireland
Rare vagrant. 104 accepted records between 1958 and 2002, including 46 during the 1990's.
Where in Britain and Ireland
A vagrant to Britain and Ireland.
Population in Europe
Vagrant.
Where in Europe
Vagrant.
Nests
On ground in cover of grass or shrubs. Makes a scrape in ground with a shallow grass cup lined with finer grass.
Eggs
Usually 3 olive to buff-brown eggs, with darker brown markings. Incubated for about 20 days, fledge at about 5 weeks.
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