Seagulls are one of those birds that everyone recognizes, but few people really know much about. They swoop along beaches, steal French fries from unsuspecting tourists, and fill the air with their sharp cries. But beneath their noisy reputation, seagulls are fascinating creatures with clever habits, complex social lives, and surprising talents.
Here are 10 fun facts about seagulls that will make you see these birds in a whole new way.
1. Seagulls Aren’t Actually Called “Seagulls”
The name “seagull” is more of a casual nickname than a scientific term. In reality, there are over 50 species of gulls around the world, from the tiny Little Gull to the massive Great Black-backed Gull. They don’t only live by the sea either—many gulls thrive inland, near lakes, rivers, and even city parking lots.
2. They Can Drink Salt Water
One of the coolest survival tricks gulls have is the ability to drink seawater. They do this with the help of special salt glands located above their eyes. These glands filter out excess salt, which then drips out of their nostrils like little salty tears.
3. Seagulls Are Incredible Fliers
Gulls may look a bit clumsy when waddling on land, but in the air they’re agile and graceful. They can hover in place like a kestrel, ride the wind for hours without flapping, and travel long distances during migration. Some species migrate thousands of miles every year.
4. They’re Expert Thieves
Gulls have a well-earned reputation for stealing food. They’ve been seen snatching sandwiches from picnics, ice cream cones from children, and fish straight from other birds’ mouths. Scientists say this isn’t just bad manners—it’s intelligence. Gulls are opportunistic and learn quickly that humans are easy targets.
5. Seagulls Use Tools
Not many birds can claim to be tool-users, but gulls are on that list. Some have been observed dropping hard-shelled clams or crabs onto rocks or roads to crack them open. Others have figured out how to time their drops with traffic lights so cars do the work for them.
6. Baby Gulls Can Run Soon After Hatching
Unlike many baby birds that stay helpless in the nest, seagull chicks are precocial, meaning they hatch with downy feathers and the ability to walk. Within just a day or two, they can wander outside the nest and explore, though they stick close to their parents for protection.
7. They’re Surprisingly Social
Seagulls often nest in large colonies, sometimes with thousands of birds in one place. Within these noisy communities, they form monogamous pairs and communicate with a wide variety of calls and body signals. Each sound means something different, from warnings about predators to begging for food.
8. Seagulls Help Clean Up Beaches
While they might be messy eaters, gulls actually play an important role in ecosystems. They scavenge dead fish, leftover food, and organic waste, helping to keep coastal areas cleaner. In a way, they’re nature’s garbage collectors.
9. They Can Recognize Individual People
Studies show that seagulls are able to remember human faces. If someone chases them away or tries to harm them, the gull can recall that person later and stay alert. Some even learn which people are likely to feed them, following those individuals around like loyal fans.
10. Seagulls Are World Travelers
From Arctic tundras to tropical islands, gulls live almost everywhere on Earth. They’re one of the most widespread bird families, adapting to cities, farmland, beaches, and fishing villages. No matter where you go near water, chances are a gull will be nearby.
Final Thoughts
Seagulls may be loud and sometimes pesky, but they’re also smart, adaptable, and full of surprises. The next time you see one perched on a pier or circling above the waves, take a moment to appreciate just how remarkable these birds really are.