What do seagulls look like?
- The gull is a medium to large bird, depending on the species of gull (102 known species), their average size is between 29cm and 76cm. They are strongly built birds.
- Seagulls are often white with gray wings or completely gray. They have a yellow-red pointed beak with black markings on their head and beak.
- Their feet are webbed.
- The young of smaller species get their plumage after 2 years, in larger species this can take 4 years.
In England, the most common species are the herring gull, the black-headed gull and the common gull.
Adaptability to Humans
Seagulls have demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to human presence and behavior. For instance, it’s common to see seagulls snatching food from people’s hands or plates.
Seagulls would not physically attack a human unless they feel in danger. If they feel their offspring are being threatened, they may swoop or dive-bomb perceived intruders to scare them away.
Seagulls build their nests on roofs in urban areas
They use various materials like grass, twigs, and feathers to build their nests. These birds tend to return to the same nesting sites year after year. We normally see large flocks of them because they tend to stay together to protect each other against predators.
The loud noises they produce to communicate with each other can be very annoying, especially during the breeding season, in the spring and summer months.
Signs of a seagull infestation
Seagulls are active during daylight and their presence is annoying to people. There is a seagull infestation when:
- large flocks of seagulls are seen on roofs and roving the streets
- they make excessive noise
- there are large quantities of excrement deposited on sidewalks, cars, and buildings
- buildings and statues get damaged by the acidic nature of their droppings
- large amounts of open garbage bags are spread around and you can see them peaking at them
- you see seagulls snatching food from people’s hands or plates
DIY tips to keep seagulls and other birds away
Seagulls are persistent, adaptable birds, and a combination of deterrent methods is often more effective than relying on a single approach. Some tips include:
- Visual deterrents like reflective objects, moving or spinning devices, or scarecrow-like decoys
- Ensuring that all garbage cans are tightly sealed
- Removing bird feeders
- Hanging reflective objects like aluminum foil strips, CDs, or reflective tape near areas frequented by seagulls