Gull - flybye.com

Bird Biology

Sea Gulls

Identification:
Sea Gulls
,also known as gulls are "robust birds with webbed feet, long wings and a slightly hooked beak." All gulls have exceptional flying ability. Sometimes gulls will swim and even dive underwater. "Adult gulls are white, with varying patterns of gray and black over the back, wings, and head. The young are usually grey and take a few years to receive their white feathers. Both male and female gulls are similar in appearance.

Habitat:
Gulls are most commonly found wherever an abundent food and water source exists.

General Biology:
"Most gulls nest in colonies on sand and gravel covered shorelines and islands." Gulls build their nests on the ground and lay 3 to 5 eggs at a time.

Damage:
"Gulls cause damage to agricultural crops and threaten human safety at and near airports." Gulls are involved with more collisions than any other bird. Their nesting and roosting sites also allow for the transmission of common bird diseases, and ectoparasites. Gulls are a nuiscance to people around areas where a lot of garbage or food waste are present.

Legal Status:
"Gulls are classified as a migratory species and are protected by federal law, in most cases state and local laws also protect gulls. Consult with the local officials prior to the eradication of the gulls."

Damage Prevention:
Areas with open garbage depositors should be controled. Eliminate all possible food and water sources. Exclusionary and ledge barriers should be applied to nesting and/or roosting sites.

Acknowledgement:
Courtesy of The Wildlife Damage Handbook

Methods of Treatment: