(Larus atricilla)
15 - 17 inches

photograph © Walker Golder

Status: No special status in North Carolina.

Identification: The Laughing Gull is the only common summer gull with a black hood found along North CarolinaÕs coast. It loses its hood in winter. The chest and underparts are white and the wings and back are dark gray. The legs and bill are dark, but turn reddish when breeding.

Nesting Habitat: Laughing Gulls nest on estuarine islands with moderate to dense herbaceous vegetation. They also nest on barrier beaches in other regions. They build nests on the ground, in low vegetation or on wrack (dead plant material).

Breeding Biology: Adults arrive at North Carolina colony sites and initiate nesting activities in April. Egg-laying usually peaks in late April and early May, but can continue until late June. Nests are built of grasses, seagrasses or wrack. The female lays two to three greenish to olive brown eggs with dark blotches. Both parents participate in incubation, which requires 21 to 25 days. Young begin to make their first flights at four to six weeks of age. Laughing Gulls occupy colony sites in North Carolina from April through August.

Food: Laughing Gulls, like other gull species, are opportunistic feeders. Food includes fish, insects and various marine invertebrates. Laughing Gulls also frequently forage around garbage dumps.

State Nesting Population: Stable, approximately 12,000 nesting pairs.

Major Threats: Human disturbances at nesting sites.

Waterbirds:
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Last Revision 5/21/98