Scavenging seagulls work out prime time to prey on takeaway loving boozers
Research reveals takeaway chicken and Chinese ribs are the birds' preferred snack after bones were found in their nests
SAVVY seagulls have sussed out when drinkers leave pubs at night so they can swoop on takeaway food they dump, a study reveals.
Experts say the scavengers congregate on roofs near boozers, kebab shops and chippies from about 8.30pm.
The winged scavengers, dubbed sky rats, watch from their “urban cliffs” over the next few hours and fly down when grub is discarded.
Bones found in nests show takeaway chicken and Chinese ribs are snaffled most often.
Experts noticed that hordes of the squawking pests will descend on a spot where people tend to gather after 10pm.
Dr Chris Pawson, who led the study in Bath, Somerset, said the gulls “seem to know” when people leave pubs and the best time and places to find chips and other take away snacks.
He said: “They start to congregate at about half past eight and their numbers are largest at about 9.45pm or 10pm.
“They wait for people to drop food.”
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The 18-month project also examined the contents of seagull nests in Bath, Somerset, and revealed more than 40 bones - from road kill and junk food - along with plastic forks and spoons, cable ties, rubber bands and human hair.
The project leader said: "They wait for people to drop food, but we are getting increasing anecdotal evidence that they are coming down and taking it out of people's hands.
"We have seen them feeding their young entire chicken breasts.
“We have seen pieces of toast, entire sausages and pork ribs - a whole range of things."
Dr Pawson, of the University of the West of England, said gulls have also worked out when trucks arrive at landfill sites.
He said: “They recognise the pattern.
“They’re very good at adapting.”
Officials in Bath plan to use data to control the city’s seagull problem.
Councillor Martin Veal said understanding the birds' behaviour is key to controlling their numbers.
He said: "There is very little existing research available on this subject.
"This will give us the opportunity to gather evidence at a scale that hasn't been possible before, providing a clear steer on future interventions."