Birds diurnal

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

Meet the boisterous comedian of the coastline. Known for their raucous calls and striking summer hoods, Laughing Gulls bring a spirited energy to every beach and boardwalk they visit.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 14–16 in (36–41 cm); Wingspan: 39–43 in (98–110 cm); Weight: 9–13 oz (250–370 g)

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Colors

Breeding adults feature a charcoal-black hood, dark gray back (mantle), and white underparts with a dark red bill. Non-breeding adults have a white head with a blurred gray 'smudge' behind the eye and a black bill.

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Key Features

Distinctive 'ha-ha-ha' laughing call
Deep slate-gray wings with black tips and no white mirrors
Striking white crescents above and below the eyes
Medium-sized build with long, slender wings

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 6-10 AM, 3-7 PM

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Season April-September (breeding plumage), though present year-round in southern ranges.

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Diet Omnivorous scavenger; eats fish, crustaceans, insects, snails, and human scraps. They also forage in plowed fields for grubs and earthworms.

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Habitat Coastal beaches, salt marshes, bays, estuaries, and nearby suburban parking lots or boardwalks.

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Behavior

Laughing Gulls are incredibly social and boisterous birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks along coastal regions. They are famous for their namesake 'laugh,' a series of high-pitched notes that sound like human cackling. They are highly opportunistic and have adapted well to human presence, frequently patrolling parking lots, beaches, and fishing piers for an easy meal. They are even known to practice kleptoparasitism, which is a fancy way of saying they steal food directly from the mouths or talons of other birds like pelicans.

During the breeding season, they form massive colonies in salt marshes and on sandy islands. Their flight is agile and buoyant, allowing them to dip down to the water's surface or catch insects mid-air. Unlike many other gull species that move inland during winter, Laughing Gulls are strictly coastal and rarely wander far from the salt air. They are quite bold and will often land just a few feet away from people if they suspect food might be available.

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Camera Tips

To capture the best shots of a Laughing Gull, position your AI-powered camera in an open area with a clear view of the sky or a water feature. Because these birds are bold and often scavenge near human activity, a camera mounted on a deck railing, a sturdy dock post, or a fence near a coastal lawn works perfectly. Position the camera about 3 to 5 feet off the ground and angle the lens slightly upward if you want to catch their dramatic take-offs, or level with a flat surface like a picnic table where they might land to investigate.

While we don't recommend feeding wildlife processed 'human food,' placing a shallow basin of fresh water or a few scraps of raw, local seafood can act as an irresistible lure. These gulls are highly visual and are often attracted to shiny surfaces or the movement of other birds. Setting your camera to 'Burst Mode' or 'High-Speed Video' is essential; Laughing Gulls are incredibly fast, and their social interactions—like bickering over a find—happen in the blink of an eye. The AI trigger needs to be sensitive to fast motion to catch them before they fly out of frame.

Early morning light provides the best color accuracy for their dark gray mantles and striking red bills. During the summer breeding season, look for the jet-black hood which makes for high-contrast, professional-looking photos. In winter, they lose the hood, so focus your camera on their unique white eye-crescents to ensure the AI correctly identifies them. If you live near a marsh or beach, late afternoon 'golden hour' sessions will highlight the texture of their feathers beautifully against the sunset.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Laughing Gull.

Franklin's Gull

Smaller with a shorter bill and visible white spots (mirrors) on the black wingtips.

Bonaparte's Gull

Much smaller with a thin black bill and bright orange-pink legs.

Ring-billed Gull

Lacks the black hood in summer and has a distinct black ring around its yellow bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Laughing Gulls are most active during daylight hours, particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when they forage for food. They are often seen following fishing boats or scanning beaches as the tide changes, which provides new opportunities for scavenging.

If you live near the coast, you can attract them by providing a large, shallow water basin for bathing. While they are scavengers, it is best to avoid feeding them bread or crackers; instead, a small amount of fresh fish scraps or even a bird-friendly coastal yard with open space will encourage them to land.

Laughing Gulls are opportunistic omnivores. Their natural diet includes small fish, shrimp, crabs, and insects. They are also famous scavengers, eating everything from discarded bait to picnic leftovers, and will occasionally eat the eggs of other nesting birds.

Yes, provided those suburban areas are near the coast. They are very comfortable around humans and are frequently seen in coastal shopping centers, parks, and backyards that offer a clear view of the water or easy access to food sources.

Laughing Gulls are larger and have longer bills and legs than Franklin's Gulls. In flight, the Laughing Gull's wingtips are solid black, whereas the Franklin's Gull has white 'mirrors' or spots within the black tips of their wings.

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