Definition

Noun: 1. A small gull with a black head: A species of gull (Leucophaeus atricilla or formerly Larus atricilla) characterized by its relatively small size and, in breeding plumage, a dark hood or black head. It is known for its distinctive vocalization.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A flock of laughing gulls followed the fishing boat, hoping for scraps.
  • The laughing gull is easily identified by its dark head and raucous call.
  • We watched the laughing gull dive into the water to catch a fish.

Advanced Usage

• Ornithological Context: The term is used precisely in scientific and birdwatching contexts to distinguish this species from other gulls, such as the herring gull or ring-billed gull. Its call, which sounds like a high-pitched laugh, is a key identifier.
  • The guide pointed out the diagnostic features of the laughing gull, including its wing pattern.

Variants and Related Words

• Black-headed Gull: While often used interchangeably by non-specialists, the "black-headed gull" () is a different, though similar-looking, European species. The true laughing gull is native to the Americas.
• Larus atricilla: The former scientific name for this species.
• Leucophaeus atricilla: The current accepted scientific name for the laughing gull.

Synonyms

• Black-headed Gull (Note: This is a common name for a different but similar species, so it is an imprecise synonym).
• Sea Gull (This is a very general, non-specific term for gulls).

Related Phrases

• To laugh like a gull: A descriptive, though not common, idiom comparing a person's laugh to the loud, harsh call of the gull.
  • Her loud, cackling laugh made him think she laughed like a gull.

Noun

1. small black-headed European gull