Sweden: Seagull complaints rise amid declining populations

Seagulls are increasingly becoming a nuisance in Swedish cities, with complaints about the birds soaring in Stockholm, which has seen a 29% rise in such reports this year compared to last. Residents are disturbed by the birds' loud, piercing calls, their corrosive droppings, and their scavenging habits, particularly during nesting season when they become protective of their young. Per Alström, a professor of ecology and genetics at Uppsala University, explains that the seagulls' cries serve to warn each other of danger and maintain contact within pairs and families. He notes that during nesting periods, they may dive-bomb people to scare them off. Their droppings can be corrosive, damaging solar panels and other surfaces, and their nesting materials can block gutters, potentially causing flooding. Thomas Persson Vinnersten, a biologist and pest control expert at Anticimex, states that his company handles over 100 seagull-related cases annually. He points out that the conflict arises because humans and seagulls thrive in the same environments. While seagulls naturally inhabit coastal areas, many have moved into cities seeking refuge from birds of prey, access to water, food, and the flat roofs of buildings suitable for nesting. Ironically, despite the widespread perception of overwhelming seagull populations, the five most common species in Sweden, black-headed gull, common gull, herring gull, lesser black-backed gull, and great black-backed gull, have actually decreased in number over the past few decades. The herring gull and great black-backed gull have seen declines of 50% and 60% respectively. Alström emphasizes that seagulls play a vital role as all-around scavengers, acting as nature's cleanup crew within ecosystems, and their presence adds vibrancy to the environment.

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Seagulls are heard a lot and have piercing cries. They call to each other when they perceive danger and to maintain contact between the male and female in a pair and between parents and young.