Pronunciation: [sˈiːɡʌl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "seagull" has always been a bit tricky, as it is often spelled as "sea gull" or "seagul". However, the correct spelling is "seagull", which is pronounced as /ˈsiːɡʌl/. The word "sea" is pronounced as /siː/, and "gull" is pronounced as /ɡʌl/. The IPA phonetic transcription helps us understand that there is no space between "sea" and "gull" and that the letter "u" is pronounced as /ʌ/.
A seagull is a type of seabird belonging to the family Laridae, commonly found near coastal areas around the world. It is characterized by its medium to large size, ranging from 11 to 30 inches in length, with a wingspan typically reaching 3 to 6 feet. Seagulls are known for their white or grayish plumage, strong and hooked beaks, and long, slender wings. They possess excellent flying capabilities, able to soar, glide, and hover effortlessly in the air.
Seagulls are opportunistic omnivores, feeding on a wide variety of prey including fish, crustaceans, insects, small invertebrates, rodents, and even garbage or carrion. They are often observed gathering on beaches, piers, and open land during low tide to scavenge for food. Seagulls also exhibit social behavior, often living in large colonies or flocks and engaging in complex communication through vocalizations, body postures, and displays.
Due to their adaptability and presence in coastal regions, seagulls have become iconic symbols of the seaside, appearing in literature, art, and popular culture. While they are generally associated with beaches and maritime environments, seagulls can also be found inland, near rivers, lakes, and landfills where food sources are available. Although their scavenging nature and occasional aggression toward humans may prove troublesome in some contexts, seagulls contribute to ecosystem balance by aiding in the control of pests and participating in nutrient cycling through their consumption of various organisms.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "seagull" is a compound term formed by combining two separate words: "sea" and "gull".
1. Sea: The word "sea" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled as "sǣ". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "saiwiz" and is related to the Old Norse word "sær", meaning "sea" or "lake". "Sea" refers to the large body of saltwater covering a significant part of the Earth's surface.
2. Gull: The term "gull" originates from Old Norse, where it was known as "gunnr" or "gǫln" and meant "to scream" or "to yell". It is linguistically connected to the Icelandic word "gál", which describes the noise or cry made by seabirds.
