Quick identification
Laughing gull (Leucophaeus atricilla) is a Abundant year-round resident around South Padre and the Lower Laguna Madre. A medium gray-backed gull. Breeding adults have a black hood, white eye arcs and red bill; winter adults show a smudged head.
Habitat and island setting
Beach, bay, parking areas, docks and any place human food is easy to obtain.
Where to look
Every part of the island can hold laughing gulls, from the beach to the causeway and restaurant districts. Sightings are possibilities rather than appointments; tide, wind, fronts, water level and human activity can change what uses a site.
What the bird is doing
Feeding gulls encourages crowding and aggressive scavenging. Secure trash, never toss food from a vehicle and keep fishing tackle away from birds.
Watch without changing the scene
Use binoculars or a camera zoom, stay on public paths and leave feeding, resting and nesting birds enough room to continue normal behavior. If a bird stops feeding, stands alert, calls repeatedly or moves away because of you, increase the distance. Compare current access information through the South Padre Island birding guide before making a special trip.