How to Keep Seagulls Away From Your Food, Backed by Science
Dining outdoors in Malta is a delightful experience, but seagulls can often disrupt the enjoyment by attempting to snatch food. A study by researchers at the University of Exeter reveals that the tone of human voices can peacefully deter gulls. Experiments showed that gulls are sensitive to acoustic cues, with angry shouting prompting them to fly away and calm male voices causing them to walk away. Neutral sounds, like birdsong, had little effect. While Malta’s gulls haven’t been tested, these findings offer a non-violent solution for outdoor diners to keep their meals safe. The study highlights the importance of peaceful coexistence with gulls, which are a species of conservation concern. For diners in Malta, adopting mindful eating practices and using firm tones can enhance the experience of enjoying meals along the island’s stunning coastlines.
How to Stop a Seagull from Stealing Your Food, According to Science
Dining outdoors in Malta is one of life’s simple pleasures, whether you’re savoring fresh seafood by the Mediterranean or enjoying a crispy portion of fries at a seaside café. However, anyone who’s dined al fresco knows the challenge of dealing with seagulls. These cheeky birds often swoop in uninvited, ready to snatch your food before you’ve had a chance to enjoy it. Fortunately, science has uncovered a peaceful way to deter them—and it’s all about how you communicate.
Researchers from the University of Exeter conducted a fascinating study to explore how urban gulls react to human voices. Using a container of chips (or "fries" for our international readers) as bait, the scientists tested 61 herring gulls across nine seaside towns in Cornwall. They played recordings of a male voice speaking calmly, shouting angrily, or the neutral sound of a robin’s birdsong. The results revealed that seagulls are surprisingly attuned to the tone and acoustic properties of human voices, suggesting a non-violent solution to the perennial problem of food theft.
Dr. Neeltje Boogert, one of the study’s authors, explained: “We found that urban gulls were more vigilant and pecked less at the food container when we played them a male voice, whether it was speaking or shouting. But the difference was that gulls were more likely to fly away when hearing shouting and more likely to walk away when hearing a calm voice.”
The study showed that 70% of gulls exposed to the robin’s birdsong stayed near the food throughout the experiment, illustrating that neutral sounds do little to deter them. On the other hand, gulls exposed to angry shouting flew away within a minute, while those hearing a calm male voice walked away 15% of the time.
While Malta’s gulls haven’t been put to the same scientific test, locals and visitors alike can benefit from these findings. Next time you’re enjoying a snack or meal outdoors—whether it’s a plate of pastizzi or a healthy salad packed with seasonal Mediterranean ingredients—remember that tone matters. Shouting “Stay away!” is likely to be more effective in making gulls leave than calmly asking them to back off.
This research has broader implications for animal behavior, as it highlights how wild species can interpret human communication. Although such sensitivity to tone has been observed in domesticated animals like dogs, pigs, and horses, it’s rare for wild birds to demonstrate this level of awareness.
Dr. Boogert emphasized that the goal of the study was to promote peaceful coexistence with gulls, which are often misunderstood and unfairly vilified. “Most gulls aren’t bold enough to steal food from a person,” she said. “What we don’t want is people injuring them. They are a species of conservation concern, and this experiment shows there are peaceful ways to deter them that don’t involve physical contact.”
For diners in Malta, where outdoor eating is a way of life, this research offers an alternative to more aggressive measures. Seagulls are part of the island’s vibrant ecosystem, and finding ways to live alongside them aligns with Malta’s commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of mindful eating in fostering a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re enjoying a nutrient-rich meal at a wellness-focused café or indulging in traditional Maltese cuisine, being present and aware of your surroundings—including potential seagull visitors—can enhance your dining experience.
As a final tip, if you’re dining near the coast, try to avoid leaving food unattended or surrounded by other gulls. Research shows that seagulls are more likely to attempt theft when in a group, as the social dynamics embolden them.
So, the next time you’re enjoying a picturesque meal by Malta’s stunning shorelines, keep the seagulls at bay with a firm tone—and savor the moment without interruption.