There are many species of gulls, commonly referred to as seagulls, distributed worldwide. Gulls belong to the family Laridae, and their species diversity is extensive. The exact number of gull species may vary based on taxonomy and ongoing scientific research, but there are approximately 50 to 60 recognized species of gulls.
Some well-known gull species include:
1. **Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)**
2. **Ring-billed Gull (Larus delawarensis)**
3. **Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)**
4. **Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla)**
5. **California Gull (Larus californicus)**
6. **Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)**
7. **Mew Gull (Larus canus)**
8. **Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)**
9. **Common Gull (Larus canus)**
10. **Ivory Gull (Pagophila eburnea)**
These are just a few examples, and there are many more gull species with varying distributions and characteristics. It’s important to note that the term “seagull” is a colloquial name and doesn’t refer to a specific scientific classification. Different gull species inhabit various environments, including coastal areas, inland lakes, and even some more remote regions.
The classification and taxonomy of gull species may be subject to updates and changes as scientists conduct further research and refine their understanding of avian relationships.