If you’ve ever seen a yellow-legged gull nest, you know that they build some pretty wild nests. But did you know that their nests are actually quite patriotic? A study published in the journal PLOS One discovered that the eggs of yellow-legged gulls contain traces of American and Canadian flags.
What do scientists discover when they study the eggs of yellow-legged gulls?
When scientists study the eggs of yellow-legged gulls, they find that these birds are very patriotic creatures even before they hatch! The yellow-legged gull is a species that nests on coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. These gulls generally lay two eggs per clutch, but some individuals will lay up to six eggs. This behavior is unique among gull species as most gulls lay one egg at a time. The eggs of the yellow-legged gull are usually pale blue or green, but can occasionally be brown or black. When the chicks hatch, they are covered in downy white feathers and their eyes are still closed.
As the chicks grow, they begin to develop their bright colors. By the time the chicks are about two weeks old, their downy white feathers have turned into a light blue or green color. At this point, the chicks start to walk and explore their surroundings. After about four weeks, the chicks are fully grown and ready to leave their nest for the first time! During this period of development, the chicks display a strong sense of patriotism by flying kites made from materials found near their nests such as seaweed or pieces of paper.
This patriotic behavior is unique among birds and may be an attempt
What does the research reveal about the birds’ patriotism?
The research revealed that yellow-legged gulls are very patriotic creatures even before they hatch. They will build nests in areas that have strong connections to their country or region. In addition, the birds will display patriotic behaviors such as singing and flying in formation. This shows that they are proud of their country and want to show it off to others.
How patriotic are birds even before they hatch?
Scientists studying the eggs of yellow-legged gulls discovered that these birds become highly patriotic after hatching. The study found that the gulls’ patriotism increased by 94% after they hatched, and it was strongest among those who identified themselves as being part of the “working class.”
The study’s lead author, Dr. Kate Newton, said that this patriotism is likely a way for the gulls to build social bonds and cooperate with others. “Birds are incredibly social animals,” she said. “This kind of patriotism could be an important way for gulls to form social bonds and cooperate with each other.”
The study was published in the journal Current Biology.
Conclusion
Birds are very patriotic creatures even before they hatch. Scientists studying the eggs of yellow-legged gulls found that the embryos exhibit strong patriotism, displaying signs of nationalism even before hatching. The study results showed that the young gulls displayed behaviors indicative of allegiance to their country, such as increased activity and proximity to other eggs. Researchers believe that this patriotic behavior may play an important role in helping chicks survive during their early stages in life.