Seagulls are often seen interacting with aquatic environments. Despite their close association with water, seagulls cannot breathe underwater. Like all birds, they are air-breathing creatures equipped with lungs, requiring atmospheric oxygen to survive. Their anatomy is not designed for underwater respiration.
How Seagulls Breathe
The respiratory system of a seagull is distinct from that of mammals and operates with efficiency. Birds possess a unique system of lungs and a series of air sacs distributed throughout their bodies. Unlike mammalian lungs, avian lungs are relatively rigid and maintain a constant volume. Air moves through the bird’s respiratory system in a unidirectional flow, passing through the lungs during both inhalation and exhalation.
When a seagull inhales, fresh air first fills posterior air sacs, while some also enters the lungs for gas exchange. During exhalation, this fresh air from the posterior sacs is pushed into the lungs, allowing for continuous oxygen uptake. This process requires two complete breath cycles for a single volume of air to pass entirely through the system. This design is adapted for extracting oxygen from the air, as their lungs cannot process dissolved oxygen from water.
Seagull Adaptations for Life Near Water
Seagulls possess several adaptations that enable them to thrive in aquatic environments. Their feathers are waterproof, maintained by oil secreted from a uropygial gland near the base of their tail. Seagulls spread this oily substance over their feathers during preening, creating a protective barrier that repels water and keeps them buoyant. This ensures their plumage remains dry and insulated even when on or near water.
Seagulls also have webbed feet, which aid in their movement on the water’s surface. These feet are effective for paddling and maneuvering while swimming, but not for sustained underwater dives. Many seabirds, including seagulls, have specialized salt glands located above their eyes. These glands allow them to excrete excess salt from their bloodstream, enabling them to drink saltwater without becoming dehydrated.
How Seagulls Get Food from Water
Seagulls employ various feeding strategies to obtain food from aquatic environments. They are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet, often swooping down to snatch fish or other marine life directly from the water’s surface. They also frequently wade in shallow waters, using their moderately long legs to forage. Their keen eyesight and sense of smell help them locate meals from above.
Seagulls can make brief, shallow dips or dives to grab prey. During these short submersions, they hold their breath, often for only a few seconds. They can hold their breath for up to a couple of minutes during these brief foraging dives. This behavior differs from specialized diving birds like gannets, which are adapted for sustained underwater pursuit of prey.