Laughing Gull song and calls

Birdsong and calls are often the easiest way to identify the Laughing Gull, especially when the bird is hidden in dense foliage. Below is what to listen for.

Song

The 'song' is a distinctive, raucous, high-pitched series of calls that sounds like a human laughing, often described as 'ha-ha-ha-HA-ha-ha'. This call is given during territorial displays, courtship, and alarm.

Calls

In addition to the 'laughing' call, they produce various other vocalizations including short, sharp 'kyow' or 'kree' calls, alarm calls, and begging calls from chicks.

When they vocalize

Most vocal during the breeding season, especially within colonies. Also vocal when foraging or in flight, particularly when interacting with other gulls or humans.

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