Pronunciation: [sˈiː ɡˈʌlz] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "sea gulls" is a common source of confusion in English. One reason for this is that the "g" in "gull" is silent, which leads some people to use the spelling "seagulls" instead. However, the correct spelling is "sea gulls," with a space between the two words. In terms of phonetic transcription, this would be /siː ɡʌlz/ – with the emphasis on the first syllable of "sea" and the second syllable of "gulls."
Sea gulls, also known as seagulls, are a species of large seabirds belonging to the family Laridae. They are commonly found near coastlines, lakes, and rivers worldwide. Sea gulls are characterized by their long wingspan, hooked beaks, and webbed feet, which make them excellent flyers and swimmers.
The term "sea gulls" refers to the collective group of these birds, which encompass various species, such as the Herring Gull, the Ring-billed Gull, and the Laughing Gull. These birds typically have white feathers with gray or black markings, although their plumage may vary depending on the species and age of the individuals.
Sea gulls are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they have a diverse diet and adapt to various food sources. Their diet commonly comprises fish, crustaceans, mollusks, insects, rodents, and even carrion. They scavenge in coastal areas, prey on small fishes and invertebrates, and occasionally feed on garbage in urban settings. Due to their scavenging habits, sea gulls are often seen near fishing harbors, beaches, and landfills.
Although sea gulls are known for their adaptability and survival skills, their population faces threats due to habitat loss, pollution, and disturbance caused by human activities. These birds are also sometimes regarded as pests due to their habit of stealing food from beach-goers or causing minor damage to property. Nevertheless, sea gulls serve important ecological roles, such as controlling marine population levels and nutrient cycling.
In summary, sea gulls are coastal birds characterized by their large size, long wingspan, and white-gray plumage. They are opportunistic feeders, capable of adapting to various food sources, and play significant roles
The word "seagull" is a compound noun consisting of "sea" and "gull". Here is the etymology of each component:1. Sea: The word "sea" originated from the Old English word "sǣ" which referred to a large body of saltwater. It has Indo-European roots related to the ancient Greek word "thálassa" and the Sanskrit word "sáras" meaning "lake" or "pond". The term "sea" has been used in English since at least the 13th century.2. Gull: The word "gull" evolved from the Middle English word "gulle" or "gul" which meant "throat" or "gullet". It was derived from the Old Norse word "gāl" which also referred to the throat. The term "gull" has been used to describe the bird since the 15th century.
