do seagulls migrate in the winter?

Answer 1

It depends on the species and the geographic location. Lets take the ring-billed gull for example (the one usually at Mc Donald's). During winter most of the population migrates south, the younger birds tend to move even more south. However some on the Great Lakes and on the coast may stay year round this isn't representative of the general population. You can take a look at the distribution map on this link http://www.birds.cornell.edu/AllAboutBirds/BirdGuide/Ring-billed_Gull.html . Movements are different for most species and they have to be looked at individually, ex: some Great Black Back Gulls migrates to the Great Lakes which is "south" for this species.

Answer 2

It depends on whether they can get enough food without migrating. In cities, where they get a lot of food from people, many gulls do not migrate. They will migrate if they cannot support themselves during winter.

Answer 3

Lake Erie is less than a block from my house...we have LOTS of seagulls here...and no...they don't go away for the winter....but we do have a different kind of seagull that comes here for the winter called a "black seagull"

Answer 4

No, areas of land right next to water hold a more constant temperature compared to inland locations. The birds are probably comfortable as the temps. don't go up and down as much. Beaches tend to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, and also, water temperatures do not change very much either, so the birds are most likely pretty comfortable where they are at.

Answer 5

Nope, I'm from Rhode Island and the gulls stay put year 'round. Their feathers and fat insulate them well enough to handle the cold, plus as somoene else mentioned, the ocean tends to hold on to the summer's warmth well into winter, and by the time its cooling off the season's chaged back to warmer times.

Answer 6

No, actually they have all come to South Portland, Maine, U.S.A., because I have been putting out old onion rings and uneaten fried clams and even some whole wheat biscuits, all from the restaurant we visit daily. They especially like the onion rings.

Answer 7

No... they are still here on the beach in New England, and will be here all winter. I don't know how they do it, because it is cold here on the water during the winter.

Answer 8

I dont believe they do, i live in long beach, ca and we have them all year round, however the weather doesnt get all that cold here so, maybe there is no need for them to leave.

Answer 9

Only from school yard to school yard. Maybe an occasional ball park or garbage dump.
Generally they stick close to humans and the garbage we produce.

Answer 10

No, they continue to poop on my car and head.