Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

The Laridae family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. These are medium to large seabirds that share webbed feet, pointed bills, and excellent flying skills. Gulls are usually sturdy birds with broader wings and hooked bills. Terns are slimmer, with forked tails and straight, pointed bills. Skimmers have a unique long lower bill that they use to feed on the water surface. Most of these birds have white, grey, and black feathers, which can change with the seasons. Young birds often have brown feathers. They live in coastal areas, estuaries, lakes, and rivers all over the world. Many species breed along British shores. These birds are very noisy, especially at their breeding sites. They usually eat whatever food is available, including fish, small creatures, and rubbish. Many of them gather in large groups for resting and nesting. Their flight is smooth and light, with terns especially known for hovering in the air and diving quickly into the water to catch food.