Seagulls encompass a great deal of diversity with at least twenty-eight types in North America alone.
The intelligence of these birds is clearly demonstrated by the range of feeding behaviors. These birds have been known to stamp their feet in groups to imitate rainfall and trick worms to come to the surface to be eaten. Seagulls also engage in dropping hard-shelled mollusks onto rocks to break them open.
In addition to being very clever, these birds have a highly developed repertoire for communication of body movements and vocalizations. These behaviors can be viewed on a leisurely day spent near the beach, boat dock or inlet. Seagulls can drink both salt and freshwater, made possible by a special gland above their eyes and are very attentive parents. Male and female birds pair for life and share in incubating, protecting and feeding their chicks.
