All About Gulls

Did you know that there is more than one type of ‘seagull?

In fact, the RSPB tell us there are around 50 species worldwide and six types which commonly breed in the UK!

How many different types of gulls have you spotted in Worcester?

Gulls are highly adaptable and intelligent birds, taking opportunities to find food from other sources. 

The RSPB explain how the 1956 Clean Air Act prevented rubbish tip operators burning waste, so gulls took advantage of the huge amount of organic material increasingly generated by our 'throw-away' society and sent to landfill. 

Have you seen discarded food and rubbish on the streets of Worcester?

The RSBP explain that gulls are traditionally coastal birds, and their diet would typically consist of fish and marine invertebrates - but rising sea temperatures (which are changing the distribution of fish) and industrial overfishing is leading to declines in their populations.  

How might a decline in coastal food and an increase in people throwing food away on our streets affect the population of gulls in town centres?

People sometimes feed gulls, and then gulls sometimes fight each other to get to the food first. This often results in them snatching food from people’s hands, so the RSPB advise against feeding gulls. 

Gulls are devoted parents, and might dive-bomb when they feel threatened or in danger. Their noisy behaviour is just gulls doing what comes naturally to ensure their young survive.

We can give gulls families space during the breeding season, meaning birds and people can thrive together.

Discussion Questions: 

How many types of gulls are there?
Why are gulls moving away from the seaside?
What attracts gulls to urban areas?
What is our role (as human beings) in the movement of gulls?
Why might gulls behave a bit aggressively?

www.rspb.org.uk