Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

common Raucous Laugh

Learn to identify the Laughing Gull by ear. Master the "ha-ha-ha-ha-HAH-ha" phrase and tell it apart from similar species.

“ha-ha-ha-ha-HAH-ha”

What the Laughing Gull sounds like

A medium-sized, coastal gull easily recognized by its raucous, laugh-like calls and, in summer, a crisp black hood. Sleek and agile, it often patrols beaches, marshes, piers, and parking lots in noisy flocks, deftly snatching food from the surf—and from other birds.

“ha-ha-ha-ha-HAH-ha”

How to tell it apart

Listen for:A loud, cackling burst of 6–10 notes that rise and fall, sounding like hysterical human laughter. Given in social contexts, especially at nesting colonies. Often written as “ha-ha-ha-ha-HAH-ha”.

Don't confuse with:The Franklin’s Gull — smaller with shorter bill.

Lessons featuring the Laughing Gull

Ready to test your ear? Practice identifying the Laughing Gull's sounds in these interactive in-app lessons.

Gulls & Terns: Seaside Yellers

Tier 5 · Wet Feet & Watchpoints

Gull School: The Klee-OW Crew

Tier 9 · Niche Voices

Start Learning Free

Where you'll hear it

Breeds along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, from Maine to Texas, as well as the Caribbean and northern South America. Winters mainly from the U.S. Southeast southward through the Caribbean to coastal Peru and Brazil.

Sandy beaches, salt-marsh islands, estuaries, mudflats, harbors, coastal landfills, and urban waterfronts.

Colonial nesting begins in late spring. Post-breeding dispersal peaks late summer. Most northern breeders migrate southward in autumn; some remain year-round in the Gulf and southern Atlantic states.

Similar species

Franklin’s Gull

Smaller with shorter bill.

Bonaparte’s Gull

Noticeably smaller and daintier.

Black-headed Gull (vagrant)

Slightly smaller, with paler gray mantle.

Laughing Gull song FAQ

What does a Laughing Gull sound like?

A loud, cackling burst of 6–10 notes that rise and fall, sounding like hysterical human laughter. Given in social contexts, especially at nesting colonies. Listen for the "ha-ha-ha-ha-HAH-ha" phrase.

How do I tell a Laughing Gull from a Franklin’s Gull by sound?

Franklin’s Gull: Smaller with shorter bill.; In flight shows broad white band on trailing edge plus more black and white pattern in primaries.; Has white underwings and darker hood.; Breeds inland prairies, rarely coastal..

When is the best time to hear a Laughing Gull?

Colonial nesting begins in late spring. Post-breeding dispersal peaks late summer. Most northern breeders migrate southward in autumn; some remain year-round in the Gulf and southern Atlantic states.