Mary Allen
Introduction: Seagulls 101
Seagulls are a familiar sight to anyone who has spent time at the beach or near a body of water. They are iconic birds with white and gray feathers, long wings, and piercing eyes. Seagulls have adapted well to living around humans, scavenging for food and nesting on rooftops and piers. But with so many species of seagulls out there, which one is the most common?
Meet the Herring Gull
The herring gull is one of the most widespread and recognizable seagulls. They have a distinctive look with gray wings, white heads and underparts, and a yellow bill with a red spot. Herring gulls are found throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and can live up to 30 years in the wild. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything from fish and insects to garbage and carrion.
The Familiar Ring-billed Gull
The ring-billed gull is another common seagull found across North America. They are smaller than herring gulls with a white head and body, gray wings, and a distinctive black ring around their yellow bill. Ring-billed gulls are known for their high-pitched calls and can be found near lakes, rivers, and beaches. They are also opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food in urban areas.
The Small-but-Mighty Laughing Gull
The laughing gull may be smaller than other seagulls, but they are no less iconic. They have a distinctive black head, white body, and gray wings. Laughing gulls are found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States, and are named for their raucous call. They are also opportunistic feeders and will eat anything from crabs and fish to insects and berries.
The Western Gull: A West Coast Icon
The western gull is a common sight along the Pacific coast of North America. They have a gray and white plumage with a yellow bill and a red spot. Western gulls are known for their distinctive call and are often seen scavenging for food in urban areas. They are also found on rocky islands and coastal cliffs, where they nest and raise their young.
The Glaucous-winged Gull: A Pacific Northwest Resident
The glaucous-winged gull is a large seagull found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to California. They have a white body, gray wings, and a yellow bill with a red spot. Glaucous-winged gulls are known for their distinctive call and can often be seen perched on rooftops and pilings. They are also opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food in urban areas.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull: A European Import
The lesser black-backed gull is a seagull native to Europe, but has also been introduced to North America. They have a dark gray back, white head and underparts, and a yellow bill with a red spot. Lesser black-backed gulls are often seen near bodies of water, and are known for their aggressive behavior towards other gulls. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat anything from fish and insects to garbage and carrion.
Wrapping Up: Seagulls Everywhere!
Seagulls are an iconic part of coastal life, and with so many species out there, it’s hard to say which one is the most common. From the herring gull to the lesser black-backed gull, seagulls are found all over the world and have adapted well to living around humans. Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no denying that seagulls are here to stay. So next time you’re at the beach, take a moment to appreciate these fascinating birds and all they have to offer.