Seagulls (Gulls) - Facts for Kids

Seagulls can withstand powerful ocean winds thanks to their streamlined body shape!

Seagulls can float on ocean waves for hours while resting!

Seagulls have specialized feet that help them walk on slippery rocks!

Seagulls create large colonies that can include thousands of birds!

Seagulls choose nesting sites that are protected from strong winds and predators!

Seagulls can survive in desert areas by getting moisture from their food!

Seagulls have adapted to living near humans and can find food in cities!

Seagulls often follow fishing boats to catch discarded fish!

Seagulls can survive in polluted environments better than many other bird species!

Life Cycle

Seagull eggs take about 23–27 days to hatch!

Most baby seagulls start flying when they’re around 5 to 6 weeks old.

Seagull chicks can walk and swim within a few days of hatching!

Most seagulls lay 2–3 eggs per breeding season!

Seagull eggs are speckled brown or olive, which helps camouflage them!

Both parent seagulls take turns incubating their eggs!

Young seagulls take 3–4 years to develop adult plumage!

Seagulls typically mate for life and return to the same partner each breeding season!

Seagull chicks can recognize their parents’ calls within days of hatching!

Adult seagulls feed their chicks by regurgitating partially digested food!

Seagull chicks double their weight within the first week of life!

Most seagulls reach breeding age at around 3–4 years old!

Seagull parents continue feeding their chicks for several weeks after they start flying

Seagull chicks are born with their eyes open and covered in soft down feathers!

Young seagulls practice flying by running and flapping their wings!

Seagull parents can recognize their chicks among thousands of others by their calls!

Adult seagulls molt (replace their feathers) once or twice per year!

Seagull chicks stay in the nest for about 5–6 weeks before their first flight!

Diet & Feeding

Seagull chicks usually stay in the nest for about 5–6 weeks before their first flight!

Seagulls can catch flying insects in mid-air!

Seagulls can digest almost any type of food, from fish to french fries!

Some seagulls wash salty or dirty food in fresh water before eating it!

Seagulls can store food in their crop (a special pouch in their throat) for later!

Seagulls have been observed following plows to catch worms and insects!

Seagulls can steal food from other birds in mid-flight!

Seagulls can eat while flying, swimming, or walking!

Seagulls can digest bones from their prey!

Conservation & Population

There are over 50 different kinds of seagulls in the world — each a special species with their own look and habits.

Some seagull species are endangered due to habitat loss and pollution!

Plastic pollution in oceans is a major threat to seagull populations!

Seagulls help control insect and rodent populations in coastal areas!

Many countries have laws protecting seagull nesting sites!

Oil spills can severely impact seagull populations!