Context: 

The Laughing Gull, a North American bird, was discovered in Chithari Estuary in Kasaragod in Kerala, marking the first recorded instance of this species being observed in India.

Laughing Gull Spotted in Kasaragod, Kerala

• e-Bird application: It played an important role in disseminating this finding.
  • It is a dedicated application to collecting scientific bird information.
• Other Birds Found in Estuary: Lesser black-backed gull, slender-billed gull, brown-headed gull, great crested, lesser crested tern, Caspian tern etc.
• Total Number of Bird Species: The discovery increases the total number of bird species found in India to 1,367, with Kasaragod district contributing 400 species.

About Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus Atricilla)

• Name: The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls, resembling human laughter.
• Protection Status: 
  • IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern.
  • CITES and CMS Status: Not Evaluated
• Range: They are most common on the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America, the Caribbean, Central America and northern South America.
• Description: Smaller than typical seagulls, they have black beaks and legs, with dark wings setting them apart from other seagull species. 
  • Laughing gulls are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds.
• Migration: During winter, these birds embark on migratory journeys, with occasional sightings along Africa’s southern coast. 
  • Its presence in Asia had been recorded only in countries such as Malaysia and the Philippines.

News Source: TH