United Kingdom - July 13, 2024

Researchers from the University of Exeter have discovered that herring gull chicks raised on an "urban" diet still overwhelmingly prefer seafood, according to new findings published in the journal PeerJ.

The study, led by Emma Inzani from the Centre for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus, focused on herring gull chicks rescued after falling off roofs in towns across Cornwall, UK. These chicks were raised in captivity and fed either a "marine" diet rich in fish and mussels, or an "urban" diet composed mainly of bread and cat food.

Over the course of the study, researchers presented the chicks with a choice of all four foods every few days. Despite being reared on an urban diet, the gull chicks consistently showed a strong preference for fish.

"Our results suggest that even when raised on an urban diet consisting of foods commonly found around people, these chicks still exhibit a strong preference for marine foods," explained lead author Emma Inzani.

Herring gulls are often considered urban pests due to their scavenging habits around human settlements. However, the species faces significant conservation concerns in the UK due to declining populations.

Dr. Neeltje Boogert, senior author of the study, emphasized that while gulls can exploit urban environments for food waste, this does not necessarily mean they thrive on it. The availability of fish, despite reduced stocks in UK waters, remains crucial for their diet and possibly their long-term health and breeding success.

The research, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council and the Royal Society, underscores the complex relationship between urban wildlife and their dietary preferences, urging further investigation into how early diet impacts later life behaviors and health outcomes in wildlife.

For more detailed insights into the study, the paper can be accessed in the journal PeerJ under the title "Early-life diet does not affect preference for fish in herring gulls (Larus argentatus)."