Measurements
Both Sexes
- Length
- 15.4–18.1 in
39–46 cm - Wingspan
- 36.2–47.2 in
92–120 cm - Weight
- 7.2–13.1 oz
203–371 g
Other Names
- Mouette atricille (French)
- Guanaguanare (Spanish)
Cool Facts
- Nest colonies in northeastern United States were nearly eliminated by egg and plume hunters in the late 19th century. Populations have increased over the last century, following protection.
- The male and female Laughing Gull usually build their nest together. If a male cannot find a mate, he may start building a nest platform and then use it to attract a female.
- The adult Laughing Gull removes the eggshells from the nest after the eggs hatch. If the shells are not removed, a piece can become lodged on top of the slightly smaller unhatched third egg and prevent it from hatching.
- The Laughing Gull is normally diurnal, being active during the day. During the breeding season it forages at night as well. It usually looks for food along the beach at night, but will also hover to catch insects around lights.
Habitat
Shore-line
- Nests in marshes, on beaches, and on islands along coast.
- Found along coasts, in estuaries, bays, and inland lakes.
- Feeds along the ocean, on rivers, at landfills, and in urban parks.
Food
Insects
Aquatic invertebrates, terrestrial invertebrates, fish, squid, garbage, flying insects, and berries.
Nesting
Nesting Facts
- Clutch Size
- 2–4 eggs
- Egg Description
- Slightly pointed at one end. Brown with black splotches.
- Condition at Hatching
- Chicks semi-precocial at hatching; may leave nest cup at one day old, typically stay on platform for several days. Covered in cryptically colored down.
Nest Description
A flat platform of marsh grass. Nests in colonies.
Nest Placement
Ground
Behavior
Ground Forager
Forages while walking or swimming. Will steal food from terns and pelicans.
Conservation
Least Concern
Nest colonies in northeastern United States were nearly eliminated by egg and plume hunters in the late 19th century. Populations have increased over the last century, following protection.
Credits
- Burger, J. 1996. Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla). In The Birds of North America, No. 225 (A. Poole and F. Gill, eds.). The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists' Union, Washington, D.C.