Western Gulls: Pairing

Pairing Off: "Western Gulls exhibit complex courtship and mating behaviors, characterized by long-term pair bonds and a series of ritualized displays. Many pairs remain bonded for life, and courtship often begins before the birds arrive at the nesting grounds in spring. At the start of the nesting cycle, males establish territories, and females solicit food from males by performing rapid upward movements of the bill, mimicking a begging chick. In response, males display an upright posture, call, and may regurgitate food, a behavior known as courtship feeding. This exchange helps strengthen the pair bond and is often followed by a "choking" display, where both birds crouch with breasts lowered and tails elevated, pumping their heads and necks while producing a distinctive "huoh-huoh-huoh" call. This display is used in multiple contexts, including early courtship, nest-site selection, and territorial interactions." -- Browser search