Species Info

GULLS

The word “seagull” is an informal way that people often refer to any of the species that belong to the family Laridae, or the gulls. In all actuality, there is no such thing as a "seagull". They are actually, and correctly, referred to as “gulls.”

HATCHLING OR NESTLING GULLS

There are some wildlife organisations who give incorrect advice if you happen to come across a gull baby that is not in the nest. They will advise you to leave it where it is - but this is a death sentence for a Gull chick!
This advice results in countless young chicks dying as mom is not going to feed a chick that is out of the nest, as it will be wary of coming down to the ground (or it may have ousted the chick on purpose) This leaves the little chick defenseless and exposed to the elements, as well as cats, dogs, foxes, crows or other adult Gulls.
In its natural habitat, it is best to leave it be as gulls live in colonies, but not in a town or city, where they may be nesting high on top of buildings and fallen to the ground.

If possible, you can try to have the chick returned to the nest but if mom ousted him, she may do it again. Keep in mind mom will likely be swooping at you and can do some damage with that beak, so please be aware of any adults in the area and use an umbrella if necessary. (OR call The Rock Wildlife Rescue to collect the chick).
A Gull chick does not have waterproof feathers and if mom has been killed or no longer in the vicinity, the chick can die of exposure to the elements. Even a hot sunny day can dehydrate and overheat a young chick on a rooftop.

Any time a gull chick is on the ground it is in need of help!
If it is cold or raining, you will need to keep the baby gull warm (don't try to feed the chick) Call The Rock Wildlife Rescue or a reputable rescue near your location, who will assess the chick and rehabilitate until old enough for release.

FLEDGLING GULLS

We get many calls on what people think are injured adult gulls, when indeed they are fledglings!
These fledgling gulls can be quite large! They may be opening their wings attempting to fly but can't take off. They are often spotted hanging around parking lots or in downtown areas. These fledglings will have juvenile plumage (speckly mottled grey or brownish spots on their feathers).
We try not to interfere with fledgling gulls as mom is usually nearby teaching them skills and eventually withholding food in an attempt to coax them into flight.

PLEASE DO NOT FEED A FLEDGLING GULL - IF YOU DO IT WILL LIKELY NOT LEAVE THE AREA OR FEEL THE NEED TO FLY TO SEARCH FOR FOOD. This will hinder the gull's development and may ultimately put the bird in danger by keeping him in an area where he is unsafe.
IF the fledgling shows visible signs of injury such as an open wound, a droopy wing, limping badly or signs of illness. Please call The Rock Wildlife Rescue (or a rehabilitation center near your location).
IF a fledgling gull has been hanging around in an unsafe area with no sign of an adult nearby for a few days - and can not fly, relocation may be necessary.

ADULT GULLS

Adult Gulls are incredibly resilient birds! They can live quite comfortably with only one leg - as long as those wings work and they can evade predators and find food.
However, any adult gull with an open fracture, open wound or dropped wing needs help. We would need to assess the Gull as soon as possible.
A dropped wing does not always mean a broken wing - and many times we can help this type of injury in rehabilitation or with veterinary intervention.

Click the link to open a PDF an identification guide on five common gulls in Eastern Canada. Common Gulls of Eastern Canada