Ecology of an Urban Population of the Slaty-Backed Gull (Larus schistisagus) in Comparison with Natural Colonies: 1. Features of Nest Location and Productivity

Urban and coastal breeding lesser black‐backed gulls (Larus fuscus) segregate by foraging habitat

“…During the 20th century, several gull species (Laridae) began breeding in towns and cities around the world (Smith & Carlile 1993, Dwyer et al 1996, Soldatini et al 2008, Yorio et al 2016. These generalist foragers exploited abundant anthropogenic subsidies in urban environments (Carmona et al 2021, Langley et al 2021 and also benefitted from predator-free breeding habitat and heat island effects (Rock 2005, Zelenskaya 2019). Urban gull populations increased rapidly, but this intensified conflict with people via disease transmission (Girdwood et al 1985, Hatch 1996, bird-strikes (Neubauer 1990) and nuisance behaviours (e.g.…”

“…2021, Langley et al . 2021) and also benefitted from predator‐free breeding habitat and heat island effects (Rock 2005, Zelenskaya 2019). Urban gull populations increased rapidly, but this intensified conflict with people via disease transmission (Girdwood et al .…”

Plenty of rooftops with few neighbours occupied by young breeding Yellow‐legged Gulls (Larus michahellis): Does this occur at the expense of their health condition?

“…Roof-top nesting is now ubiquitous for gull populations around the world (see Pais de Faria et al 2022). Advantages associated with rooftop breeding include the higher predictability of anthropogenic subsidies near breeding grounds, and lower nest density (Kroc 2018), often resulting in a lower intraspecific competition and predation, and a general increase in breeding success (Monaghan 1979, Kroc 2018, Zelenskaya 2019). It appears that younger gulls may disperse to urban areas once traditional colonies reach saturation levels (Pais de Faria et al 2022).…”