Atlanta Doesn’t Know There Is No Such Thing As A Seagull

Prepare to Be Surprised: Seagulls Are a Myth

Believe it or not, seagulls don’t exist. No, this isn’t part of that bizarre conspiracy theory claiming all birds are fake. This revelation is all about the language we use daily, leading to the myth of the seagull.

The Myth of Seagulls

We’ve grown so used to saying "seagull" that it feels like a legitimate term. Just like beach rats or dumpster ducks might be fitting, that's not the bird's real name. Scientifically speaking, no bird in the gull family is actually called a seagull. This little tidbit might just become your go-to conversation starter when things get awkward.

Are We "Gullible"?

While all gulls fall under the same family, there's no species named seagull. This quirky fact might now be lodged in your brain, ready to make an appearance at your next social gathering.

Beware of "Birdsplaining"

In 2018, Rebecca Heisman penned a rather critical piece for Audubon titled "Seagull or Gull: Who Really Cares?" She cautions that correcting people’s use of the term seagull could deter them from birdwatching. No one enjoys being nitpicked over terminology, especially when they’re just annoyed about a gull stealing their snacks at the beach.

Heisman also mentions another ornithological error: calling a Canada goose a "Canadian goose" is a sure way to annoy bird enthusiasts.

No Sea Required

Here’s the twist: gulls aren’t necessarily tied to the sea and can thrive far from it. Your friend in the Midwest, who had a run-in with a bird while loading groceries, already knows this. (For the record, the most common gull in Kansas City is the Ring-billed Gull.)

So, next time you spot those opportunistic birds at the beach, a park, or a parking lot, remember: they’re just gulls, not seagulls. Impress your friends with this fun fact—or maybe just save it for when the conversation needs a little lift.

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