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Wait Until You Hear What a Baby Seagull Actually Sounds Like

Baby seagull by the water with Mom.
Baby seagull by the water with Mom. Image via Unsplash/Anna Goncharova

Puppies and kittens get all the attention, but so many other baby animals deserve our praise, too. Baby seagulls look nothing like their parents and are the epitome of adorable. But the sweetest part is when they go, "Cheep." You've probably never heard this sound, and you must.

"Seagull chicks are the cutest ever," the caption tells us, with the video as proof. The little guy in the clip is very brave, walking a few feet away from mom to explore before hurrying back to press up against her. He's had enough excitement for one day.

@naturestanaccount

Seagull chicks are the cutest ever this is not a safe space for seagull haters btw. They're beautiful living creatures who have had their natural habitat ruined by us, and they face daily harassment from us even though they're just doing what they can to survive. Every creature deserves respect. #birdsoftiktok#birds#seagulls#beach#california

original sound - naturestanaccount

Commenters jumped in to compliment him for his singing, with a little humor thrown in. @Natalia nailed it, noting, "They are so cute when they aren't trying to nick my ice cream." It's only a matter of time before he develops a taste for it.

@Nat Geo Animals followed by pointing out the best part of the exchange, "When it cuddled up." Finally, @ghost stated what we were all thinking, "Why have I never considered baby seagulls before? In my mind, they just spawn in fully grown and full of mischief and greed." A bit harsh? Maybe, but somehow accurate.

Related: Injured Seagull Walks up to Woman Begging for Help-What She Did Next Is Heartwarming

What Do Baby Seagull Sounds Mean?

Seagull chicks vocalize for the same reasons all babies do. Mostly, they want their mom's attention. If you're picturing little birds in a nest cheeping with beaks open, you've got the right idea. Gulls peep both for food and to signal their location or distress. That way, if they get separated, they can call out and be found.

It works the other way, too. Research, looking specifically at gulls, determined that they do recognize their parent's distinct voice and respond to it. Adult gulls make noises to court mates, ward off predators, and stake their territory. When communicating with their young, these birds use a softer version of those sounds, perhaps similar to the baby talk humans often display.

In this case, baby is clearly wondering who the people are looking down at him and when they'll start throwing food.

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This story was originally published June 14, 2026 at 4:20 PM.

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