Chroicocephalus ridibundus
The laughing gull is a constant and noisy presence in the Danube Delta, but also in large cities with water courses. Its name comes from the characteristic cry that resembles a shrill laugh. It is a very adaptable and opportunistic bird.
In summer (nuptial) plumage, the head is covered by a dark brown "mask" (not black, despite the English name), which stops at the back of the head. In winter, the mask disappears, leaving only a small black spot behind the eye. The legs and beak are bright red.
It is found on almost any type of water (fresh, salt), but also on arable land. In the Danube Delta it is sedentary, being present on all the lakes and arms of the Danube. In winter, many individuals move to areas inhabited by humans.
Further details to be added.
The laughing gull reaches sexual maturity at 2 years. It nests in large colonies, on swamps, islands of vegetation or on lakes. The nest is a platform made of vegetation, sometimes floating. Lays 2–3 eggs (rarely 4–6), camouflaged with brown and gray spots, hatched by both sexes for 23–26 days. Chicks are semi-nestivorous: they stay near the nest and are fed by their parents. They become fliers at 35–42 days. The species is sedentary in the Danube Delta. It can live up to 20 years.
The status is LC (Least Concern). The population is large and expanding in some areas due to its excellent ability to adapt to human-modified environments.
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