Gull

Gulls (often informally called seagulls) are birds of the family Laridae. Their commonness might cause some to call them a nuisance or annoying. In fact, gulls are amazing birds that have learned to live with the changes that people have put on their environment. They take advantage of the excess food in our garbage and are sometimes so comfortable with people that they will eat straight from someone's hand.

Anatomy
Gulls are usually grey or white birds, many with black markings. Gulls range in size from 4.2 ounces and 29cm to 3.8 lbs. and 76cm. Most gulls, during the breeding season, get dark brown, gray, or black color on their heads. They have long wings and webbed feet.

Reproduction
Gulls breed colonially. They gather in large groups, and make nests out of grass and or plant stalks on the ground near lakes or on the seacoast. Although they nest in groups, gulls are monogamous meaning that they stay with the same mate for many years. A couple might separate if they are unable to successfully raise offspring together. After mating, the female gulls will lay clutches of two-three eggs. Eggs are normally brown with dark spots on them. Incubation of the eggs takes 20-30 days. young gulls tend to stay with their parents from a few days to a few weeks. during this time the birds learn skills such as diving for food and flying.

Ecology
Gulls inhabit most waterways and coastal areas, even open ocean. They can be found almost anywhere that they can find food. Most gulls are carnivores and scavengers. They will eat live food such as small fish and crabs, but mostly they take advantage of easier food by scavenging. They are often found in large flocks at garbage dumps and fishing docks looking for food. Gulls are very intelligent birds. They have complex communication techniques, and find strength in numbers by attacking potential threats in mobs. Gulls have also been able to adapt and thrive in human environments and have learned to have a symbiotic relationship with people.