Laughing Gull

🔍 Overview

A rare vagrant from North America, with a few well-documented Sussex records, especially after Atlantic storms.

🪶 Key Identification Features

Medium-sized gull with long wings

Adult: black hood, white eye arcs, dark red bill

Immature: dark tail band and dusky plumage

🗺️ Habitat & Distribution

Most likely at Brighton seafront, Shoreham, or large gull roosts inland. Often turns up after strong westerlies or summer storms.

🎶 Voice & Behaviour

Distinctive laughing call in native range. Can be quite tame when grounded.