By Josie July 27th, 2023
Although it’s a simple video, it shows numerous things about seagulls’ intelligence and adaptability.
They demonstrate tool use and forward planning, cognitive abilities often associated with higher mammals.
Adaptability is a key indicator of intelligence, as it requires learning and applying new behaviors in response to changing environments.
The seagull casually strolls into a shop, much like a human customer would - and it seems to know exactly what it’s looking for.
It suggests the bird has learned to recognize human food packaging - and it also seems to know exactly where it's stored!
This impressive shoplifting is a testament to the bird’s ability to learn and exploit opportunities in human-dominated environments!
In their natural coastal habitats, seagulls often feed on marine organisms like fish, crabs, and mollusks.
In urban environments, they readily exploit human food sources, scavenging in garbage bins and landfills.
Unlike many species, seagulls can drink both fresh and salt water. They have special glands above their eyes that flush the salt from their systems.