How to Identify Gulls

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Determine if you are located in a possible habitat of a Seagull. Seagulls live near the coasts of North America, but also in many inland locations throughout the United States and Canada. Gulls have very widespread habitats.
Step 2:
View the highly variable appearance of the Seagull. Gulls are usually gray or white, but some also have black, brown or dark gray markings on their wings or heads. When immature, gulls can be hard to identify based on plumage. Seagull bills are long and can vary in color from dark brown or black to yellow. Gulls also have webbed feet, and they are generally stout birds. Male and female Gulls tend to have a similar appearance.
Step 3:
Take note of the size of Gulls. Gulls are medium to large sized birds, whose length can vary between 29 and 76 cm. Their weight ranges from approximately 120 g to 1.75 kg.
Step 4:
Observe the flight pattern of a Gull. Gulls tend to be strong, steady patterned fliers. There is some slight variation in the Gull flight pattern, depending on the type of Gull observed.
Step 5:
Listen to the loud, vocal sounds of the Gull. They make very clear sounds, resembling a "kuk-kuk-kuk" or a "yucca-yucca-yucca" sound. Gulls can also make a "bugling" sound.
Step 6:
Watch the behavior of a Gull. Gulls are opportunistic birds that scavenge, forage and "hunt" for their food. Gulls can be seen searching garbage, scavenging for dead fish or eating other creatures (worms, insects) found in their habitats.

Tips & Warnings

There are many different varieties of Gulls. The "typical" Gull is the Herring Gull.
Gulls are sometimes referred to as Seagulls.

Resources

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