Seagulls in the UAE: Understanding Their Growing Presence and Behavior

Environment & Sustainability

Seagulls in the UAE: Understanding Their Growing Presence and Behavior

The UAE's coastline has recently witnessed a noticeable increase in seagull populations, capturing the attention of locals and visitors alike. The country's mild coastal climate during the winter season, coupled with its geographical location, has made it a preferred destination for migratory birds, especially seagulls. As they escape the harsh winters of the Northern Hemisphere, many of these birds travel from Siberia, the Mediterranean regions, and Europe to find a comfortable habitat in the UAE's coastal areas.

Why Are There More Seagulls in the UAE?

The National Center of Meteorology (NCM) has observed that seagulls flock to UAE shores every winter, taking advantage of the country’s warm climate and abundant coastal food sources. Seagulls prefer mild coastal weather, and the UAE provides a perfect seasonal environment, allowing them to breed, rest, and migrate comfortably.

Moreover, urbanization, coastal developments, and fishing activities have created an ideal environment for seagulls to thrive. Fish remnants from ports, food waste from coastal restaurants, and sheltered nesting spaces have made Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah’s shores highly favorable for these birds.

Where Can You Find Seagulls in the UAE?

Seagulls primarily inhabit coastal regions, such as beaches, ports, and lagoons, where they can find an abundance of fish and marine invertebrates. Popular locations where large groups of seagulls can be spotted include:

Dubai Marina
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Sharjah Waterfront
Ras Al Khaimah coastal areas

These areas offer large open spaces, calm waters, and ample food sources, making them perfect nesting and resting sites for seagulls.

Understanding the Behavior of Seagulls

Seagulls are seabirds that are typically grey or white in color, with black markings on their wings and heads. They possess elongated legs, longish bills, and webbed feet, allowing them to walk and swim efficiently. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years, depending on the species and environment.

Interestingly, seagulls are known for their strong social structure. Despite their noisy and chaotic appearance, seagulls operate within a complex communication system. This helps them:

Protect their colony from predators.
Defend their food sources from competing birds.
Organize group attacks to drive away intruders.

Seagulls are also known to drive away predators into the sea, forcing them to drown — a strategic defense mechanism for protecting their colonies.

What Do Seagulls Eat?

Seagulls are omnivorous, meaning they can consume a variety of foods. Their diet includes:

Fish and other marine creatures.
Freshwater invertebrates.
Food scraps from human activities (often scavenged from beaches and ports).

Seagulls possess a unique physiological feature called the supraorbital gland, allowing them to consume both freshwater and saltwater. This gland helps remove salt from their bloodstream, enabling them to survive even in marine environments.

Life and Mating Patterns of Seagulls

Seagulls are also recognized for their strong pair-bonding nature. Once they select a mate, they tend to stay together for life. Both male and female seagulls take turns in:

Incubating the eggs.
Feeding the chicks.
Defending the nesting site.

The bond between seagull pairs contributes to their long-term survival, helping them raise strong offspring capable of independent survival.

Symbolism of Seagulls

In many cultures, seagulls symbolize:

Freedom and independence.
Adaptability to changing environments.
A carefree and versatile lifestyle.

Given their ability to thrive in harsh conditions, they have often been viewed as a symbol of resilience and survival, especially in coastal communities.

Why Is There a Rise in Seagull Populations in the UAE?

The sharp increase in seagull populations in the UAE can be attributed to several factors:

Seasonal Migration: Seagulls from Siberia, the Mediterranean, and colder European regions migrate to warmer coastal climates, like the UAE, during the winter season.
Abundant Food Resources: With increasing coastal infrastructure, ports, and fishing activities, there is no shortage of food for seagulls.
Safe Nesting Grounds: Coastal parks, open beaches, and marina areas offer ample space for seagulls to nest, lay eggs, and raise their chicks.

Can Seagulls Become a Problem in the Future?

While seagulls contribute to maintaining the ecological balance, their growing population near urban areas may pose challenges in the future. Large seagull colonies could lead to:

Food competition with local birds.
Aggressive behavior towards beachgoers and visitors.
Increased waste in public coastal areas due to scavenging.

Experts suggest that coastal cities in the UAE may need to implement control measures to manage the rapid increase in seagull populations without disrupting the natural balance.

Conclusion

The UAE's growing seagull population is a testament to the country's favorable coastal environment and seasonal migration patterns. While their presence adds to the region’s natural beauty, it is essential to monitor their population growth to ensure sustainable coastal ecosystems. As the winter season continues, residents and visitors can expect to witness even larger flocks of seagulls across UAE beaches, parks, and waterfronts.