Seagulls, a common sight along coastlines, are often observed scavenging. Many wonder if these adaptable birds include crabs in their diet. The answer is yes; crabs are a part of a seagull’s opportunistic feeding habits, especially for those living in coastal environments.
Seagull Diet Variety
Seagulls are highly adaptable omnivores, consuming both animal and plant matter. This flexibility allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from coastlines to urban centers. Their diet includes live fish, marine invertebrates, insects, earthworms, small rodents, and the eggs or chicks of other birds. They also consume berries, seeds, agricultural crops, and human food waste. This broad spectrum of food sources highlights their ability to exploit whatever is accessible.
Crabs as a Food Source
Crabs are a regular component of a seagull’s diet, particularly for coastal species. Seagulls consume various crustaceans, including crabs, crawfish, lobster, and shrimp. They often target smaller crabs, juvenile crabs, or those found easily in intertidal zones, such as the Burrowing Crab and Mud Crab. Gulls scavenge dead or dying crabs but also actively hunt live ones. Western Gulls, for example, can locate crabs concealed in the mud during low tide.
Seagulls also prey on horseshoe crabs, especially those that become stranded upside-down on beaches. Crabs provide a reliable and protein-rich meal, contributing to their nutritional needs, particularly during breeding seasons. The availability of crabs varies with tidal cycles and temperature, influencing when and where gulls forage for them.
How Seagulls Catch and Eat Crabs
Seagulls employ several techniques to acquire and consume crabs, especially those with hard exoskeletons. One common method involves foraging in shallow waters or patrolling wet sand as waves recede, probing for exposed sand crabs and other marine life. For larger or harder-shelled crabs, seagulls often carry them into the air and drop them onto hard surfaces like rocks or pavement. This repeated dropping helps to crack open the tough shells, allowing the seagull to access the soft meat inside.
Once the shell is broken, or if the crab is small enough, seagulls can swallow surprisingly large prey whole. They may also use their beaks to tear apart the crab, especially to remove the legs or access the internal tissues.