Laughing Gull -- Larus atricilla -- South Dakota Birds

Named for its well-known laughing call, the Laughing Gull is a common sight (and sound) of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States.  They have the unusual habit of stealing food from Brown Pelicans, landing on their heads and stealing fish from the Pelican's large pouch.  Rarely seen inland, the Laughing Gull is a rare visitor to the state.  

Habitat: Generally only found near coastal regions, only rarely venturing very far inland except in Florida and around the Salton Sea.   On coasts, primarily found around beaches and salt marshes. 

Diet: Small fish, insects, crustaceans, earthworms, eggs and young birds, refuse.

Behavior: Forages by walking, wading, or swimming, and occasionally by plunge-diving or dipping from the surface in flight.  

Breeding: Non-breeder in South Dakota.

Song: Laughing Gull Song

Migrations: Summers along Atlantic and Gulf Coasts.  Populations along northern part of Atlantic Coast move south in the fall, while southern U.S. populations are generally permanent residents.  A true coastal bird that is only very rarely seen inland.

Similar Species: Franklin's Gull, Bonaparte's Gull.  See Identification Tips. 

Status: Numbers were seriously depleted during the 19th century, but recovered quickly and are now stable.

Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Laughing Gull

2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Laughing Gull"

3) E-nature.com: Laughing Gull

Photo Information: Out-of-state photo -- June 22nd, 2005 -- Chincoteague, Virginia -- Terry Sohl

Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Laughing Gull photos.

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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl

This page was last edited on 02/03/08