black-headed gull
Quick Summary
The black-headed gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus) is a Eurasian gull that may be found along the northeastern coast of North America. In its breeding plumage, its head appears dark brown, often looking black.1
Gulls, belonging to the family Laridae, are typically gray or white with variable head markings that change between breeding and winter seasons. They possess strong, slightly hooked bills, and their leg and bill colors, along with wing patterns, help distinguish between species. These adaptable birds are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, mollusks, crustaceans, worms, fish, and even garbage. Some larger gull species are known to prey on the eggs and young of other birds, including their own kind. The black-headed gull, specifically, breeds in Eurasia and Iceland, and is often seen feeding in fields, primarily on insects.2
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charadriiformGulls (suborder Lari)âŠâhoodedâ gulls, exemplified by the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) and laughing gull (L. atricilla), have a striking âswoop-and-soarâ aggressive flight display, and a ground display (called the âforwardâ) wherein the neck is lowered, the head withdrawn and angled upward, and the wings held out from the body.
Read MoreâŠâhoodedâ gulls, exemplified by the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) and laughing gull (L. atricilla), have a striking âswoop-and-soarâ aggressive flight display, and a ground display (called the âforwardâ) wherein the neck is lowered, the head withdrawn and angled upward, and the wings held out from the body.
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animal behaviourNatural selection in actionâŠstudy of eggshell removal by black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus). In a matter of hours after their eggs hatch, they pick up the empty eggshells, fly off, and drop them well away from the nest. Why should a gull engage in this behaviour? One hypothesis was that the sharp edges ofâŠ
Read MoreâŠstudy of eggshell removal by black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus). In a matter of hours after their eggs hatch, they pick up the empty eggshells, fly off, and drop them well away from the nest. Why should a gull engage in this behaviour? One hypothesis was that the sharp edges ofâŠ
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