Seagulls can fly up to 16,500 feet in the air, but they typically stay at lower altitudes. They have excellent vision and can spot potential food sources from far away, so they use their high vantage point to scan the area for food.
Circling
Seagulls often circle in the sky for various reasons:
1. Finding Food: Seagulls may fly in circles while looking for fish or other prey in the water below. They can see small movements from a great height, so circling helps them locate potential food sources.
2. Hunting Strategy: Circling can also be a hunting strategy. When seagulls spot a fish, they may circle above it, waiting for the right moment to dive and catch their prey.
3. Thermal Soaring: Seagulls can use thermals, which are columns of warm rising air, to gain altitude and conserve energy. They often circle within thermals to stay airborne effortlessly.
4. Social Behavior: Circling can also be a form of social behavior. Seagulls may circle with other gulls as a way of communicating or establishing dominance.
5. Migration: During migration, seagulls might fly in circles to gain a better view of their surroundings and navigate toward their destination.