Painted Gull
A medium seagull, known for bright coloration in pinks, blues, and yellow.
Basic Information
Anatomy
The painted gull is a sea bird about the size of a crow, with webbed feet, sleek beak, and sharply angled but long wings for soaring.
Genetics and Reproduction
Painted Gulls breed all year thanks to their often tropical habitat, at least in their Shanin range, and lay between 3 and 5 eggs each time. They also will continue breeding until death, so one female can have up to a hundred offspring in her lifetime, if every one of her eggs hatches. They will build their nests anywhere, from rocky cliffs, trees, to on top of buildings and signs. Chicks hatch after roughly 23 days and it takes roughly 4 weeks before they fledge and can fly, only staying nearby their parents for about two months before they venture off on their own.
Ecology and Habitats
Painted gulls can be found all across the Pacific Coast, and are the most populace seabird found across many of the islands. They can also be found along the coasts of Laramidia, though are only found further west into Appalachia after particularly large storms in the Yellowstone Gulf blow them off course. Generally, they prefer warmer and tropical climates, only being found in northern areas in the height of summer.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Painted Gulls will eat anything they can. Most typically they will eat fish, squid, and carrion that has washed ashore, but in areas where their range overlaps with cities, they will also eat garbage and people food. Many areas, such as in the Republic of Shanai, they are deliberately fed by tourists.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Painted Gulls do not have a strong social structure, however they do tend to gather in large groups for protection, as there is safety in numbers. The gulls are extremely competitive with one another, often fighting over food, nesting sites, and personal space.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Many island communities utilize the birds as a food source, as they are plentiful and quick to breed. There is also a market for their their feathers in areas where the birds are commonly hunted for food, although this has had very little impact on their plentiful population.
Lifespan
20 years
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Distinguishing them from other gulls, these birds are often quite colorful, with a 'water color' appearance of pinks, blues, and yellows across their feathers. They are often speckled with white on their bellies and have black beaks and feet.
Geographic Distribution
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