Observations of the North American Herring gull (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)and the North American Laughing gull (Larus atriella megalopterus): A Comparative Analysis
Petrick MA and Lueth M. 1998. Observations of the North American Herring gull (Larus argentatus smithsonianus)and the North American Laughing gull (Larus atriella megalopterus): A Comparative Analysis
During the summer of 1998, Herring gulls (Larus argentatus smithsonianus) and Laughing gulls (Larus atriella megalopterus) were observed on the Assateague Island National Seashore. These observations were conducted over four observation weekends, culminating in a total of fifteen observation hours. A total of twelve avian characteristics were observed and documented. Eleven of these characteristics were behavioral and one was morphological. The observations took place at different times of the day in order to encompass as many of the daylight hours as possible. Once the observations were completed, a large-scale literature search ensued The observational data collected along with the results of the literature search confirm that Laughing gulls seem to be more aggressive and vocal than are Herring gulls. The reasons for this could be differentiated interspecific predation rates and/or intense food competition between the two species.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Petrick, Marey; Lueth, Mia
- Date of Issue
- 1998
- Units
- ASIS
- Keywords
- Larus argentatus smithsonianus, Larus atriella megalopterus, North American Herring gull, North American Laughing gull, Observations