Laughing Gull

A laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is a medium-sized gull found along the Atlantic coast of North and South America. It is named for its distinctive, high-pitched call that sounds like a laugh.

The laughing gull has a slender body with a long neck and bill. Breeding adults have a black head, a white ring around their eyes, a dark gray body, and red bill. During the winter, their head turns white with a mottled gray pattern. Juveniles are a grayish-brown color and take about three years to reach their adult plumage.

Laughing gulls are found in coastal habitats, including beaches, marshes, and estuaries. They are opportunistic omnivores, and their diet consists of a wide variety of foods, including fish, crabs, insects, and scavenged food from garbage dumps and fishing boats.

The laughing gull's most famous characteristic is its call, a loud, "ha-ha-ha-ha-ha" that is a common sound on many beaches. They are highly social and often congregate in large flocks, especially during the breeding season. They are also known for their aggressive behavior towards other birds, often stealing food from them.