Biologist considers evolutionary forces that brought seagulls from the ocean to the city
Biologist considers evolutionary forces that brought seagulls from the ocean to the city
July 8, 2016 by James Morris
On a recent visit to Paris, I saw all kinds of things I expected—cafés, crêpe stands, street musicians, and art galleries. But I also saw something I did not expect — seagulls. What are seagulls doing in Paris, far from the ocean?
I noticed my first seagull by its characteristic high-pitched call, shouting loudly overhead. I looked up and there it was, perched on one of the buildings lining Rue Bonaparte. Later, walking by the Seine, I noticed several seagulls playing in the air. And, in the garden by Delacroix's studio on Rue de Furstemberg, another one stood proudly, almost defiantly, by the gate.
I associate the sight and sound of seagulls with the beach, where they are as familiar as sand toys and ice cream. Seeing them in the city surprised and encouraged me to figure out what they are doing here.
It turns out that seagulls are very adaptable creatures. They are generalist feeders, which means they eat just about anything — clams, mussels and fish, to be sure, but also garbage, fast food, small rodents, eggs, insects, seeds, fruits and whatever they find on the street. They are true omnivores. So, cities represent a plentiful source of food for the hungry seagulls, especially as fish stocks and nesting grounds along the coast decline.
Read more at: http://phys.org/news/2016-07-biologist-evolutionary-brought-seagulls-ocean.html#jCp
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