In an astonishing display of avian intelligence and adaptability, seagulls in Turkey have been observed mimicking the meows of stray cats to manipulate automatic food dispensers designed for felines. The remarkable behavior was captured on video and has since gone viral, sparking both amusement and awe among viewers and animal behavior experts alike.
The automated machines, which are part of a compassionate initiative in various Turkish cities, dispense food when triggered by the sound of a cat meowing. Intended to help stray cats survive the harsh realities of urban life, these devices have become a crucial resource in cities like Istanbul, where the feline population is both beloved and widespread.
However, it appears that some savvy seagulls have cracked the code.
In the video, a seagull is seen approaching one of these machines and emitting a sound that closely resembles a cat’s meow. Moments later, the machine releases food. The bird then quickly swoops in to enjoy the snack—food that was never meant for birds in the first place. The behavior has raised eyebrows and prompted a wave of commentary online, with some hailing the gull as a “feathered con artist” while others are simply amazed at the ingenuity.
Experts in animal behavior are intrigued but not entirely surprised. Dr. Leyla Çelik, a zoologist at Istanbul University, explains:
“Gulls are incredibly intelligent and observant. Urban gulls, in particular, are constantly learning from their environment. Mimicry is not unheard of among birds—parrots and starlings do it all the time—but seeing this from seagulls in a wild setting is exceptional.”
The phenomenon underscores the adaptive skills of urban wildlife. As cities grow and animals are forced into closer proximity with human activity, many species learn to exploit man-made systems to their advantage. In this case, the gulls have not only learned the connection between a cat’s meow and the dispensing of food but have replicated the sound closely enough to trigger the mechanism.
Not everyone is amused. Some locals worry that if the behavior spreads, it could deprive stray cats—already vulnerable in urban environments—of much-needed sustenance. Municipalities may have to rethink the design of these machines, perhaps incorporating motion sensors or weight detectors to ensure that the intended recipients are the only ones being served.
Despite the concerns, the video has generated widespread admiration for the seagull’s cunning. It also serves as a fascinating reminder of how intelligent and adaptable animals can be when survival is on the line. Whether you see it as clever thievery or pure survival instinct, one thing is clear: in the urban jungle, even the birds are learning to speak cat.
More: seagulls
