Facts on Seagulls in Massachusetts

Gulls are often called seagulls because they are seen along the shore scavenging for food and soaring together. When seen at inland locations, such as parking lots and around dumpsters, they seem to be out of place. The truth is, however, that most gulls are just as comfortable inland as they are along the shoreline. Most seagulls migrate to and from Massachusetts, flying to more southern locales when the cold of fall and winter set in and returning with the warmer weather. Only two seagulls are full-time residents of the state.

  1. Year-Round Residents

    • Two seagulls are year-round Massachusetts residents: the herring gull and the great black-backed gull. The herring gull is what most people describe as the seagull; a common white-headed, white-bodied bird with gray wings and a loud, laughing call. It forages along the shore, at sea, in mudflats and at dumps. The herring gull prefers fresh water to drink, but it will drink saltwater if needed. Special glands above its eyes push out the salt. In Massachusetts, the herring gull is being displaced by the great black-backed gull. The largest gull in the world, it preys on smaller birds and is often seen stealing food from smaller gulls.

    Summer/Winter Migrants

    • The second most common gulls in Massachusetts are those that migrate to the state and are found in several seasons. The ring-billed gull, black-headed gull and Bonaparte's gull are winter migrants, but are found in smaller numbers in the summer, too. The little gull also migrates to the state, but is primarily found in the summer and in smaller numbers in the winter. The ring-billed gull looks like a smaller version of the herring gull. Bonaparte's gull was named after Charles Bonaparte, an ornithologist and the nephew of Napoleon.

    One-Season Migrants

    • Some gulls only visit Massachusetts for one season. The laughing gull nests in the summer; the Iceland gull and Glaucous gull migrate to the state in the winter; and Sabine's gull is a fall migrant bird. The laughing gull is known for its laughing call, black head and red bill. The Iceland gull is very pale gray, with no black on its wings or tail. Its bill is greenish-yellow with a red spot. The Glaucous gull is large, with a white head and body and pale grey wings with no black at all. Its bill is yellow with a red spot.

    Other Facts

    • In their first winter of life, seagulls are brownish in color. In their second and third seasons their color lightens, and they typically reach adult maturity in their third or fourth seasons. Females typically lay three eggs on the ground. This is why gulls are called "ground nesters." Seagulls are scavengers and will eat just about any food, including human foods. Although they like fish, and therefore scavenge along the coast, they have also become comfortable in cities, especially around garbage dumps.