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Hmm ref to immature schoolboy seems appropriate
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{{otheruses}}
{{Redirect|Seagull}}
{{Redirect|Seagull}}
{{Taxobox
{{Taxobox
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| subdivision =
| subdivision =
''[[Larus]]''<br>
''[[Larus]]''<br>
''[[Ichthyaetus]]''<br>
''[[Chroicocephalus]]''<br>
''[[Leucophaeus]]''<br>
''[[Hydrocoloeus]]''<br>
''[[Kittiwake|Rissa]]''<br>
''[[Kittiwake|Rissa]]''<br>
''[[Pagophila]]''<br>
''[[Ivory Gull|Pagophila]]''<br>
''[[Rhodostethia]]''<br>
''[[Ross's Gull|Rhodostethia]]''<br>
''[[Xema]]''<br>
''[[Sabine's Gull|Xema]]''<br>
''[[Creagrus]]''
''[[Swallow-tailed Gull|Creagus]]''
}}
}}


'''Gulls''' (often informally '''Seagulls''') are [[Aves|birds]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] Laridae. They are most closely related to the [[tern]]s (family [[Sternidae]]) and only distantly related to [[auk]]s, and [[skimmer]]s, and more distantly to the [[wader]]s. Until recently, most gulls were placed in the [[genus]] ''[[Larus]]'', but this arrangement is now known to be [[polyphyletic]], leading to the resurrection of several [[genera]].<ref name= Pons/>
'''Gulls''' (often informally '''Seagulls''') are [[Aves|birds]] in the [[family (biology)|family]] Laridae. They are most closely related to the [[tern]]s (family [[Sternidae]]) and only distantly related to [[auk]]s, and [[skimmer]]s, and more distantly to the [[wader]]s. Most gulls belong to the large [[genus]] ''[[Larus]]''.


They are typically medium to large [[Aves|bird]]s, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls. They have stout, longish [[beak|bill]]s, and [[webbed feet]]. Gull species range in size from the [[Little Gull]], at 120 g (4.2 oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the [[Great Black-backed Gull]], at 1.75 kg (3.8 lbs) and 76 cm (30 inches).
They are typically medium to large [[Aves|bird]]s, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish [[beak|bill]]s, and [[webbed feet]]. Gull species range in size from the [[Little Gull]], at 120 g (4.2 oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the [[Great Black-backed Gull]], at 1.75 kg (3.8 lbs) and 76 cm (30 inches).


Most gulls, particularly ''Larus'' species, are ground nesting [[carnivore]]s, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically. The live food often includes [[crab]]s and small fish. Apart from the [[kittiwake]]s, gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult [[Feathers|plumage]], but two years is typical for small gulls.
==Biology and habits==
Most gulls, particularly ''Larus'' species, are ground nesting [[carnivore]]s, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically. The live food often includes [[crab]]s and small fish. Apart from the [[kittiwake]]s, gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea and into surrounding deciduous forests. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult [[Feathers|plumage]], but two years is typical for small gulls. [[Gull#Taxonomy|Large White-Headed Gulls]] are typically long-lived birds, with a maximum age of 49 years recorded for the [[Herring Gull]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Larus_argentatus|title=AnAge entry for Larus argentatus|work=The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database|accessdate=2008-11-23}}</ref>


Gulls — the larger species in particular — are resourceful and highly-intelligent birds, demonstrating complex methods of communication and a highly-developed social structure; for example, many gull colonies display [[mobbing behaviour]], attacking and harassing would-be predators and other intruders.<ref>[[John Alcock (behavioral ecologist)|Alcock, J.]] (1998) Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (6th edition). Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, Massachusetts. ISBN 0-87893-009-4</ref> In addition, certain species (e.g. the [[Herring Gull]]) have exhibited tool use behaviour. Many species of gull have learned to co-exist successfully with man and have thrived in human habitats. Others rely on [[kleptoparasitism]] to get their food.
Gulls nest in large, densely packed, and noisy colonies. They lay two to three speckled eggs in nests composed of vegetation. The young are [[precocial]], being born with dark mottled down, and mobile from birth<ref name=EoB>{{cite book |editor=Forshaw, Joseph|author= Harrison, Colin J.O.|year=1991|title=Encyclopaedia of Animals: Birds|publisher= Merehurst Press|location=London|pages= 109-111|isbn= 1-85391-186-0}}</ref>.


Two terms are in common usage among gull enthusiasts for subgroupings of the gulls:
Gulls—the larger species in particular—are resourceful, inquisitive and highly intelligent birds, demonstrating complex methods of communication and a highly developed social structure; for example, many gull colonies display [[mobbing behaviour]], attacking and harassing would-be predators and other intruders.<ref>[[John Alcock (behavioral ecologist)|Alcock, J.]] (1998) Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (7th edition). Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, Massachusetts. ISBN 0-87893-009-4</ref> In addition, certain species (e.g. the [[Herring Gull]]) have exhibited tool use behaviour. Many species of gull have learned to coexist successfully with humans and have thrived in human habitats. Others rely on [[kleptoparasitism]] to get their food. The urban gull population in the United Kingdom has been growing quickly, probably due to laws such as the [[Clean Air Act 1956]] which prohibited the burning of garbage by local [[landfill]] owners, thus increasing the availability of food for the gulls.<ref>http://www.ehj-online.com/archive/2000/may2003/may1.html</ref><ref>http://www.birdnomore.com/gulls.htm</ref>
* '''Large white-headed gulls''' for the 16 [[Herring Gull|Herring Gull-like]] species from [[Great Black-backed Gull]] to [[Lesser Black-backed Gull]] in the taxonomic list below

* '''White-winged gulls''' for the two Arctic-breeding species [[Iceland Gull]] and [[Glaucous Gull]]
==Taxonomy==

The [[taxonomy]] of gulls is confused by their widespread distribution and [[geneflow]] leading to zones of [[hybridization]]. Some have traditionally been considered [[ring species]], but recent evidence suggest this assumption is questionable.<ref>Liebers, Dorit; de Knijff, Peter & Helbig, Andreas J. (2004): The herring gull complex is not a ring species. Proc Biol Sci. 271(1542): 893-901.</ref> Until recently, most gulls were placed in the genus ''Larus'', but this arrangement is now known to be [[polyphyletic]], leading to the resurrection of the genera ''[[Ichthyaetus]]'', ''[[Chroicocephalus]]'', ''[[Leucophaeus]]'', ''[[Saundersilarus]]'' and ''[[Hydrocoloeus]]''.<ref name= Pons>Pons J.-M. ; Hassanin A. ; Crochet P.-A.(2005) Phylogenetic relationships within the Laridae (Charadriiformes: Aves) inferred from mitochondrial markers. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution 37(3):686-699.</ref> Some English names refer to species complexes within the group:

* '''Large white-headed gull''' is used to describe the 18 or so [[Herring Gull|Herring Gull-like]] species from [[California Gull]] to [[Lesser Black-backed Gull]] in the taxonomic list below.
* '''White-winged gull''' is used to describe the 4 pale-winged, High Arctic-breeding taxa within the former group; these are [[Iceland Gull]], [[Glaucous Gull]], [[Thayer's Gull]], and [[Kumlien's Gull]].


Hybridisation between species of gull occurs quite frequently, although to varying degrees depending on the species involved (see [[Hybridisation in gulls]]). The taxonomy of the large white-headed gulls is particularly complicated.
Hybridisation between species of gull occurs quite frequently, although to varying degrees depending on the species involved (see [[Hybridisation in gulls]]). The taxonomy of the large white-headed gulls is particularly complicated.
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In common usage, members of various gull species are often referred to as ''sea gulls'' or ''seagulls''. This name is used by the layman to refer to a common local species or all gulls in general, and has no fixed taxonomic meaning.
In common usage, members of various gull species are often referred to as ''sea gulls'' or ''seagulls''. This name is used by the layman to refer to a common local species or all gulls in general, and has no fixed taxonomic meaning.


The [[American Ornithologists' Union]] combines [[Sternidae]], [[Stercorariidae]], and [[Rhynchopidae]] as subfamilies in the family Laridae, but recent research <ref>'''Paton''', Tara A. & '''Baker''', Allan J. (2006): Sequences from 14 mitochondrial genes provide a well-supported phylogeny of the Charadriiform birds congruent with the nuclear RAG-1 tree. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''39'''(3): 657–667. {{DOI|10.1016/j.ympev.2006.01.011}} (HTML abstract)</ref><ref>'''Paton''', T. A.; Baker, A. J.; Groth, J. G. & Barrowclough, G. F. (2003): RAG-1 sequences resolve phylogenetic relationships within charadriiform birds. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''29''': 268-278. {{doi|10.1016/S1055-7903(03)00098-8}} (HTML abstract)</ref><ref>'''Thomas''', Gavin H.; Wills, Matthew A. & Székely, Tamás (2004): A supertree approach to shorebird phylogeny. ''[[BMC journals|BMC Evol. Biol.]]'' '''4''': 28. {{doi|10.1186/1471-2148-4-28}} [http://www.pubmedcentral.org/picrender.fcgi?artid=515296&blobtype=pdf PDF fulltext] [http://www.pubmedcentral.org/articlerender.fcgi?artid=515296#supplementary-material-sec Supplementary Material]
The [[American Ornithologists' Union]] combines [[Sternidae]], [[Stercorariidae]], and [[Rhynchopidae]] as subfamilies in the family Laridae, but recent research <ref>'''Paton''', Tara A. & '''Baker''', Allan J. (2006): Sequences from 14 mitochondrial genes provide a well-supported phylogeny of the Charadriiform birds congruent with the nuclear RAG-1 tree. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''39'''(3): 657–667. {{DOI|10.1016/j.ympev.2006.01.011}} (HTML abstract)</ref> <ref>'''Paton''', T. A.; Baker, A. J.; Groth, J. G. & Barrowclough, G. F. (2003): RAG-1 sequences resolve phylogenetic relationships within charadriiform birds. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''29''': 268-278. {{doi|10.1016/S1055-7903(03)00098-8}} (HTML abstract)</ref> <ref>'''Thomas''', Gavin H.; Wills, Matthew A. & Székely, Tamás (2004): A supertree approach to shorebird phylogeny. ''[[BMC journals|BMC Evol. Biol.]]'' '''4''': 28. {{doi|10.1186/1471-2148-4-28}} [http://www.pubmedcentral.org/picrender.fcgi?artid=515296&blobtype=pdf PDF fulltext] [http://www.pubmedcentral.org/articlerender.fcgi?artid=515296#supplementary-material-sec Supplementary Material]
</ref> indicates that this is incorrect.
</ref> indicates that this is incorrect.


==List of species==

This is a list of gull [[species (biology)|species]], presented in [[taxonomic sequence]].
[[Image:Gull attacking sea otter.jpg|A gull landing on a [[sea otter]], probably trying to steal its prey|thumb]]
[[Image:Seagul Brighton-eating.jpg|thumb|right|Gulls often take food from people]]
[[Image:Seagull eating starfish.jpg|thumb|A gull eating a starfish]]
[[Image:Gull eating Crayfish 2.jpg|thumb|A gull eating a [[crayfish]]]]
[[Image:Gull attacking coot.jpg|thumb|right|A gull attacking a [[coot]]]]
[[Image:Måse 06.JPG|thumb|right|Gulls in a [[feeding frenzy]]]]


==List of gulls in taxonomic order==
[[Image:Seagul Brighton-eating.jpg|thumb|right|Gulls can be aggressive]]
[[Image:Seagull_Hovers.jpg|thumb|A gull hovers]]
[[Image:Dabirds.jpg|thumb|Gulls fly in the City]]
[[Image:Gull is eating a crayfish 2.jpg|thumb|A gull eating a [[crayfish]]]]
[[Image:Gull scavenging at the US Capitol by Swatjester.jpg|thumb|right|A gull scavenging for food]]
[[Image:Gull attacking coot.jpg|thumb|right|A gull is attacking a [[coot]]]]
'''Genus ''[[Larus]]''
'''Genus ''[[Larus]]''
*[[Dolphin Gull]], ''Larus scoresbii''
*[[Pacific Gull]], ''Larus pacificus''
*[[Pacific Gull]], ''Larus pacificus''
*[[Belcher's Gull]], ''Larus belcheri''
*[[Belcher's Gull]], ''Larus belcheri''
*[[Olrog's Gull]], ''Larus atlanticus''
*[[Olrog's Gull]], ''Larus atlanticus''
*[[Black-tailed Gull]], ''Larus crassirostris''
*[[Black-tailed Gull]], ''Larus crassirostris''
*[[Grey Gull]], ''Larus modestus''
*[[Heermann's Gull]], ''Larus heermanni''
*[[Heermann's Gull]], ''Larus heermanni''
*[[White-eyed Gull]], ''Larus leucophthalmus''
*[[Sooty Gull]], ''Larus hemprichii''
*[[Common Gull]] or Mew Gull, ''Larus canus''
*[[Common Gull]] or Mew Gull, ''Larus canus''
*[[Audouin's Gull]], ''Larus audouinii''
*[[Ring-billed Gull]], ''Larus delawarensis''
*[[Ring-billed Gull]], ''Larus delawarensis''
*[[California Gull]], ''Larus californicus''
*[[California Gull]], ''Larus californicus''
*[[Great Black-backed Gull]], ''Larus marinus''
*[[Great Black-backed Gull]], ''Larus marinus''
*[[Kelp Gull]], ''Larus dominicanus'' (called "Southern Black-backed Gull" or "Karoro" in New Zealand)
*[[Kelp Gull]], ''Larus dominicanus'' (called "Southern Black-backed Gull" or "Karoro" in New Zealand)
** Cape Gull, ''Larus dominicanus vetula''
*[[Glaucous-winged Gull]], ''Larus glaucescens''
*[[Glaucous-winged Gull]], ''Larus glaucescens''
*[[Western Gull]], ''Larus occidentalis''
*[[Western Gull]], ''Larus occidentalis''
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*[[Glaucous Gull]], ''Larus hyperboreus''
*[[Glaucous Gull]], ''Larus hyperboreus''
*[[Iceland Gull]], ''Larus glaucoides''
*[[Iceland Gull]], ''Larus glaucoides''
** Kumlien's Gull, ''Larus glaucoides kumlieni''
*[[Thayer's Gull]], ''Larus thayeri''
*[[Thayer's Gull]], ''Larus thayeri''
*[[Herring Gull]], ''Larus argentatus''
*[[Herring Gull]], ''Larus argentatus''
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*[[Slaty-backed Gull]], ''Larus schistisagus''
*[[Slaty-backed Gull]], ''Larus schistisagus''
*[[Lesser Black-backed Gull]], ''Larus fuscus''
*[[Lesser Black-backed Gull]], ''Larus fuscus''
*[[Great Black-headed Gull]], ''Larus ichthyaetus''
*[[Brown-headed Gull]], ''Larus brunnicephalus''
*[[Grey-headed Gull]], ''Larus cirrocephalus''
*[[Hartlaub's Gull]], ''Larus hartlaubii''
*[[Silver Gull]], ''Larus novaehollandiae''
*[[Red-billed Gull]], ''Larus scopulinus''
*[[Black-billed Gull]], ''Larus bulleri''
*[[Brown-hooded Gull]], ''Larus maculipennis''
*[[Black-headed Gull]], ''Larus ridibundus''
*[[Slender-billed Gull]], ''Larus genei''
*[[Bonaparte's Gull]], ''Larus philadelphia''
*[[Saunders' Gull]], ''Larus saundersi''
*[[Saunders' Gull]], ''Larus saundersi''
*[[Andean Gull]], ''Larus serranus''

*[[Mediterranean Gull]], ''Larus melanocephalus''
'''Genus ''[[Ichthyaetus]]''
*[[White-eyed Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus leucophthalmus''
*[[Relict Gull]], ''Larus relictus''
*[[Sooty Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus hemprichii''
*[[Lava Gull]], ''Larus fuliginosus''
*[[Great Black-headed Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus ichthyaetus''
*[[Laughing Gull]], ''Larus atricilla''
*[[Audouin's Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus audouinii''
*[[Franklin's Gull]], ''Larus pipixcan''
*[[Mediterranean Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus melanocephalus''
*[[Little Gull]], ''Larus minutus''
*[[Relict Gull]], ''Ichthyaetus relictus''

'''Genus ''[[Leucophaeus]]''
*[[Dolphin Gull]], ''Leucophaeus scoresbii''
*[[Laughing Gull]], ''Leucophaeus atricilla''
*[[Franklin's Gull]], ''Leucophaeus pipixcan''
*[[Lava Gull]], ''Leucophaeus fuliginosus''
*[[Gray Gull]], ''Leucophaeus modestus''

'''Genus ''[[Chroicocephalus]]''
*[[Silver Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae''
*[[Red-billed Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus scopulinus''
*[[Hartlaub's Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus hartlaubii''
*[[Brown-hooded Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus maculipennis''
*[[Gray-hooded Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus''
*[[Andean Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus serranus''
*[[Black-billed Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus bulleri''
*[[Brown-headed Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus brunnicephalus''
*[[Black-headed Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus ridibundus''
*[[Slender-billed Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus genei''
*[[Bonaparte's Gull]], ''Chroicocephalus philadelphia''

'''Genus ''Saundersilarus''
*[[Saunders' Gull]], ''Saundersilarus saundersi''

'''Genus ''Hydrocoloeus''
*[[Little Gull]], ''Hydrocoloeus minutus''

'''Genus ''Rhodostethia''
*[[Ross's Gull]], ''Rhodostethia rosea''


'''Genus ''[[Kittiwake|Rissa]]''
'''Genus ''[[Kittiwake|Rissa]]''
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'''Genus ''Pagophila''
'''Genus ''Pagophila''
*[[Ivory Gull]], ''Pagophila eburnea''
*[[Ivory Gull]], ''Pagophila eburnea''

'''Genus ''Rhodostethia''
*[[Ross's Gull]], ''Rhodostethia rosea''


'''Genus ''Xema''
'''Genus ''Xema''
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*[[Swallow-tailed Gull]], ''Creagrus furcatus''
*[[Swallow-tailed Gull]], ''Creagrus furcatus''


The Laridae are known from [[fossil]] evidence since the Early [[Oligocene]], some 30-33 [[mya (unit)|mya]]. A fossil gull from the Middle to Late [[Miocene]] of [[Cherry County]], [[USA]] is placed in the prehistoric genus ''[[Gaviota]]''<!-- JSystPaleontol5:1. -->; apart from this and the undescribed Early Oligocene fossil, all prehistoric species were tentatively assigned to the modern genus ''Larus''. Among those of them that have been confirmed as gulls, ''"Larus" elegans'' and ''"L." totanoides'' from the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene of SE France have since been separated in ''[[Laricola]]''<!-- AnnNHMusWien104A:237. Geobios36:719. JSystPaleontol5:1. -->.
==Evolution==

The Laridae are known from [[fossil]] evidence since the Early [[Oligocene]], some 30-33 [[mya (unit)|mya]]. A fossil gull from the Middle to Late [[Miocene]] of [[Cherry County]], [[USA]] is placed in the prehistoric genus ''[[Gaviota (genus)|Gaviota]]''<!-- JSystPaleontol5:1. -->; apart from this and the undescribed Early Oligocene fossil, all prehistoric species were tentatively assigned to the modern genus ''Larus''. Among those of them that have been confirmed as gulls, ''"Larus" elegans'' and ''"L." totanoides'' from the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene of southeast [[France]] have since been separated in ''[[Laricola]]''<!-- AnnNHMusWien104A:237. Geobios36:719. JSystPaleontol5:1. -->.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Seagull dropping clam.jpg|Gull dropping a clam
Image:Seagull dropping clam.jpg|Seagull dropping clam.
Image:Flock of gulls - various species.jpg|An assorted flock of gulls
Image:Flock of gulls - various species.jpg|An assorted flock of Gulls
Image:Goeland adulte et juvénile.jpg|Lesser Black-backed Gull - adult gull and her chick
Image:Goeland adulte et juvénile.jpg|Lesser Black-backed Gull - Adult gull and her chick
Image:Gull ca usa.jpg|[[Western Gull]] at [[Monterey, California|Monterey]], [[United States]]
Image:Gull ca usa.jpg|[[Western Gull]] in [[Monterey, California|Monterey]], [[United States]]
Image:Hatchling Gull chick in egg.jpg|Newly-hatched [[Lesser Black-backed Gull]] chick at [[Steep Holm]], [[Bristol Channel]]
Image:Baby_gull.jpg|Gull chick at [[Trondheim]], [[Norway]]
Image:Baby_gull.jpg|Gull chick at [[Trondheim]], [[Norway]]
Image:Larus ridibundus.jpg|A [[Black-headed Gull]] at [[Devon]], [[England]]
Image:Larus ridibundus.jpg|A [[Black-headed Gull]] in [[Devon]], [[England]]
Image:Creagrus furcatus.JPG|The [[Swallow-tailed Gull]], [[endemism|endemic]] inhabitant of the [[Galápagos Islands]]
Image:Creagrus furcatus.JPG|The [[Swallow-tailed Gull]], [[endemism|endemic]] inhabitant of the [[Galápagos Islands]].
Image:Creagrus furcatus flight.jpg|Swallow-tailed Gull in flight, displaying wing patterns
Image:Creagrus furcatus flight.jpg|Swallow-tailed Gull in flight, showing wing patterns.
Image:herring.gull.northdevon.arp.750pix.jpg|[[Herring Gull]] on the [[North Devon]] coast, England
Image:herring.gull.northdevon.arp.750pix.jpg|[[Herring Gull]] on the North Devon coast, England
Image:Seagull on sale pier.jpg|[[Silver Gull]] at [[Sale, Victoria|Sale]], [[Australia]]
Image:Seagull on sale pier.jpg|[[Silver Gull]] at [[Sale, Victoria|Sale]], [[Australia]]
Image:Chesapeake Bay gulls soaring.jpg|[[Ring-billed Gull]]s at [[Chesapeake Bay]]
Image:Chesapeake Bay gulls soaring.jpg|[[Ring-billed Gull]]s at [[Chesapeake Bay]]
Image:Larus-delawarensis-021.jpg|[[Ring-billed Gull]] at [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
Image:Larus-delawarensis-021.jpg|[[Ring-billed Gull]] at [[Toronto, Ontario]], [[Canada]]
Image:Dolphin Gull.jpg|[[Dolphin Gull]] at [[Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego]]
Image:peserina2.jpg|[[Dolphin Gull]] at [[Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego]]
Image:Seagull_lakes_entrance.jpg|[[Silver Gull]] at [[Lakes Entrance]]
Image:Seagull_lakes_entrance.jpg|A [[Silver Gull]], [[Lakes Entrance]]
Image:Gulls in air13.jpg|[[Black-tailed Gull]]s feeding in flight
Image:Gulls in air13.jpg|[[Black-tailed Gull]]s feeding in flight
Image:Heermann's Gull breeding adult.jpg|[[Heermann's Gull]]s have mostly greyish plumage with a white head during the breeding season.
Image:Heermann's Gull breeding adult.jpg|[[Heermann's Gull]]s have all over greyish plumage with a white head during the breeding season.
Image:Lava gull.jpg|[[Lava Gull]] at [[Santa Cruz Island (Galápagos)|Santa Cruz Island]], [[Galapagos]]
Image:Lava gull.jpg|[[Lava Gull]] at [[Santa Cruz Island (Galápagos)|Santa Cruz Island]], [[Galapagos]]
Image:Oeufs goeland argenté.jpg|[[Herring Gull]] eggs
Image:Oeufs goeland argenté.jpg|[[Herring Gull]] eggs
Image:Larus smithsonianus-USFWS.jpg|[[American Herring Gull]] on its [[bird nest|nest]]
Image:Larus smithsonianus-USFWS.jpg|[[American Herring Gull]] on its [[bird nest|nest]]
Image:Seagull_1.jpg
Image:JuvenileSeaGull.JPG|A juvenile Seagull on [[Cramond]] coastal village, [[Edinburgh]]
Image:Seagull_3.jpg
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==<!-- Cladistics14:1) -->
==References==<!-- Cladistics14:1) -->
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}



==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
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{{wiktionarypar|gull}}
{{wiktionarypar|gull}}
{{commonscat|Laridae}}
{{commonscat|Laridae}}
* [http://www.xs4all.nl/~calidris/gullindex.htm Rudy's Gull-index] Pictures of less well-known plumages of large gulls
* [http://www.xs4all.nl/~calidris/gullindex.htm Rudy's Gull-index]: Pictures of less well-known plumages of large gulls
* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=66 Gull videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
*[http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=66 Gull videos] on the Internet Bird Collection

* [http://www.gullpix.com Gullpix] Pictures of gulls, sorted by species



[[Category:Gulls|*]]
[[Category:Gulls|*]]
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[[Category:Seabirds]]
[[Category:Seabirds]]


[[ar:نورس]]
[[br:Gouelan]]
[[br:Gouelan]]
[[ca:Gavina]]
[[cs:Rackovití]]
[[cy:Gwylan (aderyn)]]
[[da:Måge]]
[[da:Måge]]
[[de:Möwen]]
[[de:Möwen]]
[[et:Kajakas]]
[[et:Kajaklased]]
[[es:Laridae]]
[[es:Gaviota]]
[[eo:Mevo]]
[[eu:Kaio]]
[[eu:Kaio]]
[[fa:مرغ نوروزی]]
[[fa:مرغ نوروزی]]
[[fr:Laridae]]
[[fr:Goéland]]
[[fy:Seefûgels]]
[[fy:Seefûgels]]
[[gd:Faoileag]]
[[gd:Faoileag]]
[[gl:Laridae]]
[[ko:갈매기]]
[[ko:갈매기]]
[[hr:Galebi]]
[[hr:Galebi]]
[[io:Muevo]]
[[io:Muevo]]
[[it:Laridae]]
[[it:Laridae]]
[[sw:Shakwe]]
[[he:שחף]]
[[lt:Kiriniai]]
[[lt:Kiriniai]]
[[li:Miewe]]
[[hu:Sirályfélék]]
[[hu:Sirályfélék]]
[[nl:Meeuwen (vogels)]]
[[nl:Meeuwen (vogels)]]
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[[oc:Laridae]]
[[oc:Laridae]]
[[pl:Mewy]]
[[pl:Mewy]]
[[pt:Larídeos]]
[[pt:Gaivota (ave)]]
[[qu:Qiwlla]]
[[ru:Чайковые]]
[[ru:Чайковые]]
[[scn:Laridae]]
[[scn:Laridae]]
[[simple:Gull]]
[[sl:Galebi]]
[[sr:Галеб]]
[[fi:Lokit]]
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Revision as of 20:43, 25 November 2008

"Seagull" redirects here. For other uses, see Seagull (disambiguation).

Gulls
Black-headed Gull
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Charadriiformes
Suborder:
Lari
Family:
Laridae

Vigors, 1825
Genera

Larus
Rissa
Pagophila
Rhodostethia
Xema
Creagus

Gulls (often informally Seagulls) are birds in the family Laridae. They are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae) and only distantly related to auks, and skimmers, and more distantly to the waders. Most gulls belong to the large genus Larus.

They are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills, and webbed feet. Gull species range in size from the Little Gull, at 120 g (4.2 oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the Great Black-backed Gull, at 1.75 kg (3.8 lbs) and 76 cm (30 inches).

Most gulls, particularly Larus species, are ground nesting carnivores, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically. The live food often includes crabs and small fish. Apart from the kittiwakes, gulls are typically coastal or inland species, rarely venturing far out to sea. The large species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls.

Gulls — the larger species in particular — are resourceful and highly-intelligent birds, demonstrating complex methods of communication and a highly-developed social structure; for example, many gull colonies display mobbing behaviour, attacking and harassing would-be predators and other intruders.[1] In addition, certain species (e.g. the Herring Gull) have exhibited tool use behaviour. Many species of gull have learned to co-exist successfully with man and have thrived in human habitats. Others rely on kleptoparasitism to get their food.

Two terms are in common usage among gull enthusiasts for subgroupings of the gulls:

Hybridisation between species of gull occurs quite frequently, although to varying degrees depending on the species involved (see Hybridisation in gulls). The taxonomy of the large white-headed gulls is particularly complicated.

In common usage, members of various gull species are often referred to as sea gulls or seagulls. This name is used by the layman to refer to a common local species or all gulls in general, and has no fixed taxonomic meaning.

The American Ornithologists' Union combines Sternidae, Stercorariidae, and Rhynchopidae as subfamilies in the family Laridae, but recent research [2] [3] [4] indicates that this is incorrect.


List of gulls in taxonomic order

Gulls can be aggressive
A gull hovers
File:Dabirds.jpg
Gulls fly in the City
File:Gull is eating a crayfish 2.jpg
A gull eating a crayfish
A gull scavenging for food
A gull is attacking a coot

Genus Larus

Genus Rissa

Genus Pagophila

Genus Rhodostethia

Genus Xema

Genus Creagrus

The Laridae are known from fossil evidence since the Early Oligocene, some 30-33 mya. A fossil gull from the Middle to Late Miocene of Cherry County, USA is placed in the prehistoric genus Gaviota; apart from this and the undescribed Early Oligocene fossil, all prehistoric species were tentatively assigned to the modern genus Larus. Among those of them that have been confirmed as gulls, "Larus" elegans and "L." totanoides from the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene of SE France have since been separated in Laricola.

References

  1. ^ Alcock, J. (1998) Animal Behavior: An Evolutionary Approach (6th edition). Sinauer Associates, Inc. Sunderland, Massachusetts. ISBN 0-87893-009-4
  2. ^ Paton, Tara A. & Baker, Allan J. (2006): Sequences from 14 mitochondrial genes provide a well-supported phylogeny of the Charadriiform birds congruent with the nuclear RAG-1 tree. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 39(3): 657–667. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2006.01.011 (HTML abstract)
  3. ^ Paton, T. A.; Baker, A. J.; Groth, J. G. & Barrowclough, G. F. (2003): RAG-1 sequences resolve phylogenetic relationships within charadriiform birds. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 29: 268-278. doi:10.1016/S1055-7903(03)00098-8 (HTML abstract)
  4. ^ Thomas, Gavin H.; Wills, Matthew A. & Székely, Tamás (2004): A supertree approach to shorebird phylogeny. BMC Evol. Biol. 4: 28. doi:10.1186/1471-2148-4-28 PDF fulltext Supplementary Material


Bibliography

  • Grant, Peter J. (1986) Gulls: a guide to identification ISBN 0-85661-044-5
  • Howell, Steve N. G. and Jon Dunn (2007) Gulls of the Americas ISBN 0-618-72641-1
  • Olsen, Klaus Malling & Larsson, Hans (1995): Terns of Europe and North America. Christopher Helm, London. ISBN 0-7136-4056-1
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