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Pigeon vs. Seagull: What's the Difference?

Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on January 21, 2024
Pigeon is a bird typically found in urban areas, known for its cooing sound. Seagull is a coastal bird, recognized for its loud squawking and ability to eat a wide range of food.

Key Differences

Pigeons are often seen in cities, parks, and urban areas and are known for their gentle cooing. Seagulls are commonly found in coastal regions and are recognized for their loud, harsh squawks.
Pigeons have a varied diet but often feed on seeds and grains provided by humans. Seagulls are omnivorous and are known for eating fish, insects, and even discarded human food.
Pigeons usually have a plump body, short legs, and small heads, with a variety of color patterns. Seagulls, on the other hand, are typically larger, with long wings and legs, and are predominantly white with gray or black markings.
Pigeons are often associated with symbolizing peace and are used in various cultural representations. Seagulls are known for their resourcefulness and adaptability, often seen following ships or scavenging.
Pigeons have a strong homing instinct, which makes them excellent at finding their way home over long distances. Seagulls are more nomadic, often traveling great distances but not necessarily returning to a specific home base.
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Comparison Chart

Habitat

Urban areas, cities
Coastal regions, beaches

Sound

Cooing
Squawking

Diet

Seeds, grains
Fish, insects, scraps

Appearance

Plump body, small head
Larger, long wings

Behavior

Symbolizing peace, homing instinct
Resourceful, nomadic
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Pigeon and Seagull Definitions

Pigeon

A common urban bird, often found in parks and city squares.
Pigeons gathered around the statue, pecking at breadcrumbs.

Seagull

A bird often found following ships or congregating in large flocks.
A flock of seagulls followed the ferry, hoping for food.

Pigeon

A symbol of peace and harmony in various cultures.
The artist depicted a pigeon in her mural to signify peace.

Seagull

A large, primarily coastal bird known for its loud call.
Seagulls squawked overhead as we walked along the beach.

Pigeon

A bird with a stout body, short legs, and smooth feathers.
The pigeon perched quietly on the window ledge.

Seagull

A symbol of freedom and adaptability in different environments.
Seagulls flying against the wind symbolize resilience.

Pigeon

A bird often kept as a pet or used in pigeon racing.
He breeds pigeons for competitive racing events.

Seagull

A bird with a diet that includes fish, insects, and scraps.
Seagulls scavenged for food near the fishermen's boats.

Pigeon

A species known for its ability to find its way home over long distances.
Homing pigeons were used to carry messages in the past.

Seagull

Known for their white and gray plumage and long wings.
The seagull spread its wings, revealing a span of impressive width.

Pigeon

Any of various birds of the widely distributed family Columbidae, characteristically having plump bodies, small heads, and short legs, especially the rock pigeon or any of its domesticated varieties.

Seagull

A gull, especially one found near coastal areas.

Pigeon

(Slang) One who is easily swindled; a dupe.

Seagull

Any of several white, often dark backed birds of the family Laridae having long pointed wings and short legs.

Pigeon

An object of special concern; an affair or matter.

Seagull

(orthography) The symbol  ̼ , which combines under a letter as a sort of accent.

Pigeon

One of several birds of the family Columbidae, which consists of more than 300 species.

Seagull

A fan or member of Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

Pigeon

(uncountable) The meat from this bird.

Seagull

To run in the back line rather than concentrate on primary positional duties in open play.

Pigeon

A person who is a target or victim of a confidence game.

Seagull

To use a British Seagull outboard.

Pigeon

A pacifist, appeaser, an isolationist, a dove.

Seagull

(New Zealand) To work as a non-union casual stevedore.

Pigeon

A person hired to transport film footage out of a region where transport options are limited.

Seagull

Mostly white aquatic bird having long pointed wings and short legs

Pigeon

A weak or useless person.

Pigeon

Concern or responsibility.
It's his/her pigeon.

Pigeon

(transitive) To deceive with a confidence game.

Pigeon

Any bird of the order Columbæ, of which numerous species occur in nearly all parts of the world.

Pigeon

An unsuspected victim of sharpers; a gull.

Pigeon

To pluck; to fleece; to swindle by tricks in gambling.
He's pigeoned and undone.

Pigeon

Wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs

FAQs

Can pigeons eat anything?

Pigeons have a diverse diet but mainly eat seeds and grains.

What is the lifespan of a seagull?

Seagulls can live up to 10-15 years in the wild.

How do seagulls adapt to urban environments?

They scavenge and use human structures for nesting.

What habitats do pigeons prefer?

Pigeons are commonly found in urban and suburban areas.

Are seagulls only found near the ocean?

Primarily, but they can also be found inland, near water bodies.

How do pigeons navigate?

They use the Earth's magnetic field, sun, and landmarks.

Do pigeons carry diseases?

Like many birds, they can carry diseases, but risk to humans is minimal.

Do seagulls migrate?

Some species migrate, while others remain in the same area.

Are pigeons intelligent?

Yes, they are known for their problem-solving skills and memory.

Can seagulls drink saltwater?

Yes, they have special glands to excrete excess salt.

What role do pigeons play in the ecosystem?

They help in seed dispersal and can be prey for other animals.

How fast can pigeons fly?

They can reach speeds up to 77.6 mph (125 km/h).

What do seagulls eat?

Their diet includes fish, insects, and human food scraps.

Do seagulls mate for life?

Many species form long-term pair bonds.

Are pigeons native to North America?

No, they were introduced from Europe.

How do seagulls navigate?

They use visual landmarks and the Earth's magnetic field.

Do pigeons mate for life?

Pigeons generally form long-term monogamous bonds.

How do pigeons communicate?

Through cooing sounds and body language.

Are seagulls aggressive?

They can be, especially when protecting their young or food.

Why do seagulls gather in large groups?

For feeding, social interaction, and protection.
About Author
Written by
Janet White
Janet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie Carlson
Aimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.

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