Nature
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Flock-foraging and the role of white plumage in gulls and other seabirds have been the subject of much debate. At first sight it seems that competition within the flock would render flock formation against the interest of the bird who finds the fish school, as the fish must then be shared with birds joining the flock. ⋯ Part of the reason is that the fish school is more vulnerable when attacked by several gulls. The first gull to reach a fish school therefore benefits from being joined by others, and conspicuous white upper parts in gulls may act as a means of attracting other gulls to the flock and hence improving hunting success.