Flight of fancy: Why there are more seagulls in the UAE now

The UAE has long been a preferred destination for seagulls since the country enjoys milder coastal climates in winter.

by

Shihab

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Most migratory birds come from Siberia and the Mediterranean regions as they make a pit stop in UAE shores in order to flee the harsh winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Most migratory birds come from Siberia and the Mediterranean regions as they make a pit stop in UAE shores in order to flee the harsh winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
Do you know your seagull? Seagulls are seabirds that are usually grey or white in colour, often with black markings on the head or wings. There are approximately 50 species of gulls found throughout the world.
Do you know your seagull? Seagulls are seabirds that are usually grey or white in colour, often with black markings on the head or wings. There are approximately 50 species of gulls found throughout the world.
Where are they found: Seagulls can be found everywhere from the margins of Antarctica to the Arctic region. They live primarily in coastal regions, but are also seen near bodies of fresh water.
Where are they found: Seagulls can be found everywhere from the margins of Antarctica to the Arctic region. They live primarily in coastal regions, but are also seen near bodies of fresh water.
How long do they live: The lifespan of seagulls depends on the species. Most seagulls have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years in the wild.These birds have strong body, longish bills, elongated legs and webbed feet.
How long do they live: The lifespan of seagulls depends on the species. Most seagulls have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years in the wild.These birds have strong body, longish bills, elongated legs and webbed feet.
Where do they live: Seagulls live in colonies that consist of few pairs of birds or a couple of thousands of birds.
Where do they live: Seagulls live in colonies that consist of few pairs of birds or a couple of thousands of birds.
Order under Chaos: While the birds’ squawks and flapping at first may appear chaotic to the human eye, they’re part of a complex communication system designed to keep order among birds. They have a strong social structure that works effectively against predators. They are capable of ganging up in hundreds against intruders and on occasion are known to drive away predators out to sea to drown.
Order under Chaos: While the birds’ squawks and flapping at first may appear chaotic to the human eye, they’re part of a complex communication system designed to keep order among birds. They have a strong social structure that works effectively against predators. They are capable of ganging up in hundreds against intruders and on occasion are known to drive away predators out to sea to drown.
What do they eat: Seagulls are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods, including fish, marine and freshwater invertebrates.Seagulls can drink either freshwater or saltwater, though they prefer freshwater. They have supraorbital glands (also called nasal or salt glands) which removes sodium chloride (salt) from the bloodstream.
What do they eat: Seagulls are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods, including fish, marine and freshwater invertebrates.Seagulls can drink either freshwater or saltwater, though they prefer freshwater. They have supraorbital glands (also called nasal or salt glands) which removes sodium chloride (salt) from the bloodstream.
Couples for life: Seagulls are attentive and caring parents. The male and female pair for life and they take turns incubating the eggs, and feeding and protecting the chicks.
Couples for life: Seagulls are attentive and caring parents. The male and female pair for life and they take turns incubating the eggs, and feeding and protecting the chicks.
Not brain-bird: Seagulls are thought to be intelligent birds. They are known to use strategy to figure out ways to steal food from other animals.
Not brain-bird: Seagulls are thought to be intelligent birds. They are known to use strategy to figure out ways to steal food from other animals.
Not brain-bird: Seagulls are thought to be intelligent birds. They are known to use strategy to figure out ways to steal food from other animals.
Not brain-bird: Seagulls are thought to be intelligent birds. They are known to use strategy to figure out ways to steal food from other animals.
Where do they sleep: Seagulls prefer to sleep on a calm body of water, but will sleep in any wide-open spot.
Where do they sleep: Seagulls prefer to sleep on a calm body of water, but will sleep in any wide-open spot.

Published: Tue 14 Jan 2020, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Thu 15 Jul 2021, 10:29 AM

Symbol of freedom: In many cultures, seagulls are symbolic of freedom, versatility and a carefree lifestyle.
Symbol of freedom: In many cultures, seagulls are symbolic of freedom, versatility and a carefree lifestyle.

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