MIGRATION AND DISPERSAL OF LAUGHING GULLS IN THE UNITED-STATES

The 3662 recovery records for Laughing Gulls (Larus atricilla) banded in North America from 1924 to 1991 were analyzed to determine migratio n and dispersal patterns for Northeast (Maine to Virginia) and Gulf Co ast (west coast of Florida to Texas) populations. Autumn migration for Northeast Laughing Gulls was initiated in October. Northeast Laughing Gulls migrated greater distances and were recovered farther south dur ing winter than Gulf Coast gulls. Significantly more Gulf Coast Laughi ng Gulls wintered along the Gulf Coast than did Northeast Laughing Gul ls. In contrast, significantly more Northeast Laughing Gulls wintered in Central and South America. Adult Laughing Gulls returned to breedin g areas between March and May. Sixty-four percent of adult recoveries during subsequent breeding seasons were within 50 km of their natal ba nding locations. Significantly more Laughing Gulls were recovered nort h of their natal banding location than south during subsequent breedin g seasons. Autumn dispersal of hatching-year Laughing Gulls was charac terized by northward movements before migration. There was little inte rchange between Northeast and Gulf Coast populations.