Seagulls in the Suffolk coastal towns of Lowestoft and Aldeburgh have been seen staggering around as if drunk, with an ornithologist suggesting the behavior may be linked to their consumption of flying ants. Dr Viola Ross-Smith, from the British Trust for Ornithology, told The Sun that the ants release formic acid as a chemical defence when threatened, and eating enough of them could cause the birds to become unsteady on their feet.
Formic Acid Theory
“Ants produce formic acid and because it’s a mild toxin, the gulls can act a bit woozy and come across as drunk,” Dr Ross-Smith explained. “The hypothesis is the formic acid is affecting them as ethanol affects us.” The flying ants have become particularly active in the excessive summer heat, especially around mid-July when new colonies form as queens emerge from underground.
Other Possible Explanations
Dr Ross-Smith noted that the theory remains unproven: “It is just a hypothesis at the moment. Some say the birds might be so distracted by the food source they’re not paying attention. Or that they are overwhelmed by the food.” She described scenes of “blankets of gulls walking in the road and staggering around on the pavement, getting in the way of cars.”
Public Advice
Dr Ross-Smith advised the public not to be overly concerned if they see a woozy bird, but to seek help if a gull appears ill. “They’re taking the opportunity to gorge on the insect protein. We’re happy to let nature get on with it,” she added.
