Laughing Gull
Leucophaeus atricilla
Also known as: Laughing Bird, Davy
About This Species
A common coastal gull recognized by its black head in breeding plumage and its harsh, laughing call, often seen scavenging around piers, beaches and parking lots near the coast. It is a highly social species, gathering in noisy colonies and mixed flocks, and is easiest to observe well at beaches, marinas and estuaries year-round. Breeding colonies on barrier islands and salt marshes are especially active and vocal through the summer months.
Ethical Viewing Guidelines
- Keep clear of nesting colonies on beaches and marsh islands, particularly in the breeding season, since gulls will mob intruders and can abandon nests if people walk through a colony.
- Coastal bird colonies are often protected by seasonal beach closures or local ordinances in the US, though rules vary by state and site, so check for posted signage.
- Avoid feeding gulls deliberately, as it draws them toward people and traffic and disrupts natural foraging behaviour.
NEAvesCharadriiformesLaridae
Seasonal Activity
3,108,296 sightings · 2000–2026
Citizen science records via GBIF
All monthsThis month
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
Photo
(c) Bert Filemyr, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Bert Filemyr
CC-BY-NC-4.0
Occurrence data from GBIF.