Seagulls.
Gulls (often informally
called seagulls) are birds in the family Laridae. They
are most closely related to the terns (family Sternidae)
and only distantly related to auks, skimmers, and more
distantly to the waders. Until recently, most gulls were
placed in the genus Larus, but this arrangement is now
known to be polyphyletic, leading to the resurrection
of several genera.
They are typically medium to large birds, usually grey
or white, often with black markings on the head or wings.
They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls.
They have stout, longish bills, and webbed feet. Gull
species range in size from the Little Gull, at 120 g (4.2
oz) and 29 cm (11.5 inches), to the Great Black-backed
Gull, at 1.75 kg (3.8 lbs) and 76 cm (30 inches)... |
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