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Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla)
© Kenneth M. Gale
Length: 15-17 in.
Habitat: coasts, estuaries, salt marshes.
Laughing Gulls are never found far from the coast, though small groups visit freshwater to bathe and drink. They also visit plowed fields in search of earthworms. In southern waters these gulls keep company with Brown Pelicans and steal fish from their pouches. Although Laughing Gulls do not scavenge in dumps, they do follow fishing boats for refuse and handouts. Their name comes from their hearty but wailing ha-ha-ha.
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