LAUGHING GULL

Why in News?                                                                                                        

The laughing gull, a migratory bird originating from North America, has been observed for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district of Kerala.

What is Laughing Gull?

• The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter.
• Habitat: These are a coastal species and are only occasionally seen very far inland.
• Distribution: These birds are mainly found on the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
• Diet: They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers. They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
• Features: These are medium-sized gulls with fairly long wings and long legs that impart a graceful look when they are flying or walking. They have stout, fairly long bills. They take 2-3 years to gain adult plumage.
• Conservation Status IUCN: Least Concern.