In a comprehensive study conducted by the University of Exeter, researchers have discovered a significant correlation between the brain size of seagulls and their ability to adapt and flourish in urban settings.
Cliffside Intelligence: The Cognitive Edge of Urban Seagulls (Photo : VALERY HACHE/AFP via Getty Images)
This research, which has been published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, provides a window into the cognitive adaptations that have enabled certain cliff-nesting seagull species to become successful urban dwellers.
The study examined a variety of gull species, focusing on those that nest on coastal cliffs, such as the herring gull, the lesser black-backed gull, and the black-legged kittiwake.
These birds have been found to have larger brains than species that do not nest on cliffs, which appears to be a key factor in their urban success.
Dr. Madeleine Goumas, the lead author, notes that over half of the cliff-nesting gull species have been observed nesting in towns and cities, a significant shift from their traditional coastal habitats.
This suggests a higher level of behavioral flexibility, likely facilitated by their larger brain sizes, enabling them to navigate the challenges of urban life.
The research team conducted an extensive review of existing literature and databases to map the nesting and foraging patterns of various gull species.
They found that 53% of cliff-nesting gull species have adapted to urban breeding, compared to only 11% of non-cliff-nesting species.
This adaptation is not shared by the ancestor of gulls, indicating that it is a relatively recent evolutionary development.
From Cliffs to Concrete: Seagulls Navigate the Urban Jungle
The transition from natural cliffside habitats to the urban jungle represents a significant evolutionary leap for seagulls.
Dr. Madeleine Goumas, formerly a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Center for Ecology and Conservation, based at Exeter's Cornwall campus in Penryn, emphasizes that cliff-nesting is a recent adaptation among gulls, showcasing their remarkable ability to exploit new and unconventional nesting sites, such as building rooftops.
The study sheds light on the behavioral plasticity of these birds, revealing that while non-cliff-nesting species are confined to ground nesting, cliff-nesting gulls exhibit versatility in choosing between cliffs and ground based on the environment.
This flexibility is indicative of the cognitive benefits that come with larger brains, allowing these species to navigate the complexities of urban living
Moreover, the research highlights the gulls' foraging behaviors, which have also adapted to the urban landscape.
Urban gulls have been observed to adjust their foraging schedules to align with human activity patterns, such as school breaks and waste center operations, suggesting a keen awareness and adaptability to the rhythms of city life.
These findings underscore the importance of cognitive abilities in the survival and proliferation of wildlife in urban areas.
The adaptability of cliff-nesting seagulls serves as a testament to the ongoing process of urban evolution, where intelligence and flexibility are key to overcoming the challenges posed by human-dominated environments.
Seagulls exhibit a range of foraging behaviors that are both fascinating and indicative of their intelligence and adaptability. Here's a detailed look into their foraging habits:
Adapting to Urban Environments:
Urban seagulls have shown remarkable adaptability in aligning their foraging schedules with human activity patterns.
Studies have revealed that these birds adjust their feeding times to coincide with school breaks, waste center operations, and even the early morning hours when natural food sources like earthworms and insects are more abundant.
This behavioral flexibility suggests that urban gulls can modify their natural instincts to take advantage of human-related food sources.
Innovative Feeding Strategies:
Seagulls are known for their innovative feeding strategies. They have been observed dropping hard-shelled molluscs onto rocks to break them open and following ploughs in fields to feed on upturned grubs and other food sources.
These behaviors showcase their problem-solving abilities and opportunistic nature, allowing them to exploit a variety of food sources in different environments.
Nocturnal Foraging:
Some seagulls have also adapted to nocturnal foraging, especially in areas with high human populations.
They take advantage of the cover of darkness to scavenge for scraps of human leftovers and discarded garbage, which are often more accessible at night.
Dietary Versatility:
Seagulls' diets are quite versatile. While they primarily feed on seafood such as crabs, clams, mussels, shrimp, and small fish, they are also known to scavenge for scraps of human food left behind by tourists or found in trash cans.
This dietary versatility is crucial for their survival, especially in urban areas where natural food sources may be limited.
These foraging behaviors are a testament to the seagulls' ability to thrive in diverse and changing environments.
Their intelligence and adaptability have allowed them to become successful urban dwellers, navigating the challenges of human-dominated landscapes with ease.
