Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers [Laridae]

Description

The Laridae family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers, encompassing a wide range of species known for their adaptation to marine environments. Members of this family are typically medium to large birds, often with white or grey plumage, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have long wings and strong, direct flight. Most gulls and terns are ground-nesting carnivores, which will take live food or scavenge opportunistically. The unique skimmers have a lower mandible longer than the upper one, allowing them to fly low over the water surface to catch fish.

Genera

Taxonomy