Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

Breeds along the Atlantic and Gulf coast… Sandy beaches, salt-marsh islands, estua… 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

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Where you'll hear it

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.