Sea Gull Diet

Seagulls are omnivorous, meaning that they have a wide and varied diet, including both meat and vegetables. There are several different types of gull, all falling under the umbrella term of "seagull." While the birds differ in appearance, their diets are very similar.

  1. Scavenging

    • Seagulls are a common sight in many coastal areas, as well as landfill sites and around restaurants and fast-food outlets. They commonly scavenge food debris from human garbage and discarded food items. It should be noted that food discarded by humans is not the gull's natural food source, but many gulls become accustomed to this practice and grow lazy, not bothering to hunt.

    Marine Life

    • Gulls eat small fish, plankton, shrimp and other shellfish and marine invertebrates. Most gulls catch their prey near the surface of the water. Gulls are frequently seen following fishing vessels and catching the small fish thrown from the boat.

    Terrestrial Food Sources

    • Most gull species enjoy a wide and varied diet from dry land. The birds eat insects, worms, invertebrates, small mammals, eggs and berries. Seagulls commonly flock around plowed fields, feasting on the insects and grubs brought to the surface by the plow.