10 Interesting Facts About Seagulls

• Master Problem-Solvers: Seagulls use tools! They drop shellfish onto rocks to crack them open and even bait fish with breadcrumbs.
• Global Nomads: Found on every continent, including Antarctica. The kelp gull thrives in icy southern regions.
• Saltwater Survivors: They have special glands above their eyes to filter salt from seawater, allowing them to drink it safely.
• Long Lifespans: Wild seagulls can live up to 20 years, and the oldest recorded herring gull reached 49!
• Complex Communication: They use over 20 distinct calls for warnings, mating, and territory disputes.
• Omnivorous Opportunists: They eat fish, insects, chips, fries, and even small mammals. Nothing’s off the menu!
• Flying Machines: Some species migrate 12,000+ miles yearly. They can also sleep while floating on water.
• Social Hierarchy: Dominant gulls get first dibs on food, and younger birds learn by mimicking elders.
• Urban Adaptability: They thrive in cities, memorizing trash schedules and even recognizing human faces.
• Cultural Icons: From Jonathan Livingston Seagull to Norse myths, they symbolize freedom and resilience.