Differences between Ibis and Seagull

Ibis and Seagull are two classes of birds that belong to the Threskiornithidae and Laridae families respectively.

Ibis is a wading bird that has been in existence since ages – its fossils date back to over 60 million years. The bird is considered sacred in Egyptian culture. It is a quiet bird with spherical-shaped white body, long red legs, and a red, long, curved bill. Ibis consists of around 26 species of wading birds such as spoonbills.

Seagull is the vernacular form for the bird Gull. Known to be clever, these birds are mostly large in size with grey or white plumage. They have big black marks on their head and wings. Their beaks are usually yellow in color with a red spot and a hook at the tip. Bigger Seagulls have pink legs, while the smaller ones have red or black legs. The birds have webbed feet. There are over 40 species of Gulls across the world.

Where are Ibis and Seagull found?

Ibises are inhabited in all warm locations of the world. They do not exist in South Pacific islands and Antarctica alone. They are generally found near wetlands, like marshes, lagoons, ponds, and lakes at sea level. However, some of them also live in grasslands and forests of mountain regions.

Gulls are water birds. They are typically found near coasts, especially during summers. However, they have become common even at inland waterways like rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. They can adapt to any region as long as there are food sources there. Consequently, Gulls are visible even inside cities and towns. Gulls exist everywhere in the world. They have been found even near Antarctica and the Arctic.

What do Ibis and Seagull eat?

Ibis is a carnivore. Its natural diet comprises of insects, grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, crustaceans, beetles, worms, frogs, and small fish. However, the bird can get accustomed to eating anything. It can also consume plant matter, grains, and fruits.

The natural diet of Gulls includes fish and other aquatic animals. Besides, it includes land animals like insects, worms, mice, and reptiles. However, Gulls are scavenging birds and can eat just about anything. They have been observed eating fruits, vegetables, and even chips, bread, and spaghetti. Gulls are one of the very few birds that can drink both salt and fresh water. The salt ducts and glands in their beaks act as desalination filters and help the birds to pass up excess salt.

Here are a few pointers about the eating patterns between Ibis and Seagull

• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Fish.
• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Frogs.
• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Lizards.
• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Snakes.
• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Turtles.
• Both Ibis and Seagull eat Squirrels.
• Gophers are commonly eaten by Ibis, but not by all Seagull.
• Baby Ducks are consumed by both Ibisand Seagull.
• Mice are eaten by both Ibis and Seagull.

Size of Ibis and Seagull?

When it comes to size, The average height of an Ibis is 1.8-2.5 feet. Its wingspan measures about 3.18 feet. The critically endangered Giant Ibis stands around 3.2-3.5 feet.. The size of Gulls depends on the species. The smaller ones are generally about one foot long, while the larger ones could measure about 1.5 feet. The average wingspan of the birds is 2.9-3.3 feet.

The male Ibis weighs heavier than the female ones. The average weight of the male is 3.7-5.5 pounds, while that of the female is 3.1-4.2 pounds. while The weight of Gulls varies drastically for different species. The Little Gull weighs just about 4.2 ounces. On the other hand, the Great Black-beaked Gull weighs 3.8 pounds.

Where do Ibis and Seagull nest?

Ibises generally breed in big colonies, except for some species such as the Black Ibis. The nests are usually built on trees using sticks and leaves. However, in the absence of trees Ibises create their nests in bushes or on grasses on the ground. About two to five eggs are laid by an individual Ibis in a nesting season. The incubation lasts for around 21-23 days. The young ones, which are guarded and fed by both the male and female partners, fledge in 28-35 days.

Gulls build their nests in their habitats. It could be at cliffs, coasts, islands, trees, and rooftops as long as they are safe, have food sources nearby, and inaccessible to predators. The nests are built using grass, twigs, and plant material. The eggs take about three weeks to hatch. The young ones are active and fledge when they are five to six weeks old.

How long do Ibis and Seagull live?

Ibises have an average lifespan of 16-27 years. The oldest living White Ibis was 16 years and four months old. It lived in Florida during 1956-1972.

Gulls have a short lifespan. They live for 8-20 years in the wild. The longest-lived Gull was from Denmark and lived for 33 years and eight months.

Are Ibis or Seagull migratory birds?

Ibis is both a resident and migratory bird. It is migratory in countries like Mangolia, Korea, Japan, and Laos. It has vast breeding colonies in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Thailand, and Indonesia. The bird has migrated to Australia due to drought and loss of habitat in other regions. Ibis is found in the USA, where it migrates from the north during winter.

Gulls are generally migratory. They move from northern hemispheres during winter to regions where there are abundant food sources. The birds from Canada and North America move to the tip of South America or parts of USA where the temperature is not freezing. The Black-Headed Gull migrates from UK to southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Similarly, Gulls migrate from China to Thailand, and from Russia and Siberia to the Indian subcontinent. Some Gulls living on French and Spanish coasts and other warmer regions do not migrate. Additionally, Gulls that have settled in cities where they get easy access to food from human refuse, safe nesting places in rooftops, and warmth from buildings may not migrate.

Do Ibis and Seagull fly in flocks?

A flock of Ibises is called congregation, wedge, or stand. Ibis is a convivial bird that travels, sleeps, hunts, and breeds in huge groups that most often also include other species of birds. Ibises especially form large colonies as a breeding season approaches. They also fly in groups through the typical V-formation.

A flock of Gulls is called a squabble, screech, scavenging, or colony. Gulls live in groups, consisting of a few birds or even up to a thousand. They unite to drive away predators. Besides, they adopt different body language and sounds to communicate with each other. Gulls stay with their flocks almost throughout the year.

Are Ibis or Seagull protected?

Ibis is a protected bird across the world. Hunting, shooting, or attempting to kill the bird is an offence. The USA, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, India, and France are some countries that are actively involved in the protection of some of the rarest and endangered species of Ibis.

Seagulls, their nests, and eggs are protected under various laws across the world. Harming these in any way is considered a punishable offence.

Are Ibis or Seagull endangered?

The numbers of several Ibis species is on a downfall owing to loss of habitat, hunting, poaching, use of insecticides in agricultural fields, deforestation, and depletion of wet lands. Giant Ibis, Northern Bald Ibis, and Crested Ibis are extinct in several countries and listed as critically endangered in regions where they exist in a tiny population.

Some species of Gulls are endangered. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the Chinese Black-Headed Gull and Relict Gull are vulnerable to extinction, while Heermann’s Gull and White-Eyed Gull are threatened. The population of Glaucous-winged Gull has declined by 50 percent in Georgia Basin, while the numbers of Gulls in Canada and the UK are also falling drastically. This has been attributed to loss of habitat, pollutants, and poor food quality.

Can Ibis and Seagull fly?

Ibis is known as a wading bird. Two extinct species were not able to fly. However, the existing ones can all fly. Ibises stretch out their neck and legs in flight, while also performing flapping and sailing every now and then. They usually fly in groups by forming a V-shape to reduce wind resistance. The birds can keep up a speed of about 23 miles per hour. It has been observed that some species fly over 1,800 miles during migration. The Ibis chicks will generally be able to fly 28-56 days after birth.

Gulls are highly skilled in flying. They have expert control on wind and thermals, and can execute complex manoeuvres. They can fly at speeds of up to 28 miles per hour. The birds fly extremely long distances during migration. Gulls are capable of flying during the night as well. When there are changes in air pressure due to an oncoming storm or earthquake, Gulls gather in circles to regulate their focus and balance.

Can Ibis and Seagull swim?

Ibises rarely swim. They wade through water or occasionally glide by flapping their wings. The birds have been noticed swimming, but they are known to avoid deep waters.

Gulls are also adept swimmers. They can live comfortably both on land and water. They have webbed feet and can swim well both in sea and fresh waters. However, they do not swim too far in the seas. They usually swim in search of food.

Mating patterns among Ibis and Seagull

At the onset of breeding season, male Ibises congregate in huge flocks at the colony to attract the females. They engage in several displays, bathing, and even fights. Once the male finds his mate, the partners participate in nest building and caring for the young ones. It is mostly the female that establishes the nesting site and constructs the nest with occasional assistance from the male.

Gulls start mating when they are about four years old. The heads of the Gulls are in pure white, black, brown, or gray color in the breeding season. They are known to mate both inland and on coasts, however copulation occurs on land at breeding sites. The courtship involves complex dances, rituals, and articulations. The Gulls mate until the female can lay an egg. They build their nests in colonies. Both male and female partners incubate the eggs for about 30 days.

When is the mating season for Ibis and Seagull ?

The mating season for Ibises is usually after the rains. Sometimes it is the end of winters. It could even be spring or summer in some regions.

The breeding season for Gulls is usually March-July every year. The birds gather at breeding colonies few weeks before the onset of the season.

Do Ibis and Seagull mate for life?

Ibises are generally monogamous in each breeding season. Some of them even remain with the same partner for many years. At the same time, some males also mate with more than one female in the same breeding season.

Gulls are monogamous and stay with the same partner throughout their lives. They even return to the same breeding site every time.

How do Ibis and Seagull sleep?

Ibises are active during the day. They sleep in colonies in trees during the night – a practice that helps them to protect themselves from predator attacks.

Gulls generally sleep during the night. However, they are scavengers and are known to be awake and flying even in the night. In natural habitats, they sleep on beaches, rivers, and lakes. The city-dwellers sleep in parks and rooftops. Gulls usually roost in groups to stay safe from predators.

Can Ibis and Seagull be eaten?

Ibises are considered delectable in some parts of Africa even today. Although the bird is protected everywhere, some people cook it covertly. The practice comes from a tradition of eating wild meat cooked in spices.

Gulls were consumed in the past by Inuit, Alaskan, Hare, and other cultures for survival. The meat of the birds is not considered appetizing. Further, it is illegal to hunt and eat Gulls under modern laws.

Can you hunt Ibis or Seagull?

Ibises were hunted in ancient times for their meat. However, modern strict laws do not allow hunting or shooting of the bird.

Cultures in the northern hemisphere have hunted Seagulls in large numbers in bygone times. Some cultures have killed the birds for food. However, Gulls are not permitted to be hunted under existing laws.

Can you feed Ibis or Seagull?

Feeding wild animals and birds in public places is not permitted in places like USA, Singapore, and Dubai. In captivity, Ibises can be fed with insects, little fish, frogs, earthworms, and snails. These birds are not picky eaters – so, you may also give them grains, fruits, and vegetables.

It is illegal to feed Gulls in public in some countries like the USA and Singapore. In countries like the UK, France, and India where feeding Gulls is allowed, the governments request the people to not feed processed food to the birds as it will harm their health. Gulls are scavengers, but it is advised to feed them healthy food like fish, worms, mice, and meat.