When you think of deserted islands, what comes to mind? Maybe a sandy shore with palm trees swaying gently in the breeze, the distant sound of waves crashing against the shore, and, of course, the unmistakable call of seagulls. You’ve heard it before in countless films— Cast Away, The Blue Lagoon, or even Pirates of the Caribbean—the eerie silence of isolation interrupted only by the call of these birds. But here’s the catch: seagulls don’t live on deserted islands. In fact, they’re coastal birds, and their appearance in the wilds of uninhabited islands is more of a Hollywood myth than a natural reality.

Seagulls: Coastal Birds, Not Island Dwellers

Seagulls, are birds that are closely associated with coastlines, harbours, and, most notably, human settlements. They thrive in areas with easy access to the sea, as their diet consists largely of fish, shellfish, and scavenged food from humans. In fact, seagulls are not oceanic birds but coastal ones, meaning they nest and roost on land that is near the water. They are commonly found along cliffs, beaches, piers, and even in urban areas where food is abundant.

"Eagles are seagulls with a good hairdo”

Douglas Coupland

While it’s true that seagulls can be spotted flying out to sea in search of food, they do not typically make their homes on isolated islands. Instead, they prefer the relative security of coastal habitats, where there is a continuous supply of food and where they can find suitable areas for nesting, such as rocky cliffs or grassy dunes.

Why Are Seagulls in So Many Island Films?

The use of seagulls in films about deserted islands is a convenient sound effect that helps evoke a sense of isolation or desolation. The call of a seagull is instantly recognisable, and its distinctive cry can stir up a feeling of loneliness and abandonment. It’s one of those sound cues that, for many viewers, immediately communicates the idea of being far from civilisation.

However, this cinematic choice is more about atmosphere than accuracy. Directors and sound designers use seagull calls because they are easily recognisable and can help to establish an island setting. But in reality, most truly deserted islands—those far from the coast or human settlements—don’t have seagulls. They might be inhabited by a variety of other seabirds, such as frigatebirds, petrels, or albatrosses, but these are not the same birds that Hollywood tends to feature.

In fact, the islands of the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and remote parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans are often depicted with seagulls in films, but many of these locations are far removed from the birds’ natural habitats. True seabirds, such as petrels or shearwaters, tend to live further offshore, in deeper ocean waters, rather than close to land.

The Accuracy of Seagull Calls in Movies

In the world of film, sound plays a vital role in shaping our perception of a scene. The sound of seagulls, with their harsh, raucous cries, is often used to amplify the feeling of isolation and solitude on a deserted island. Films like The Shallows (2016), in which Blake Lively's character is stranded on a tiny island, or Cast Away (2000), starring Tom Hanks, might feature seagulls in their soundscapes, but these birds are more a product of cinematic tradition than ecological accuracy.

"We live and we die by time, and we must not commit the sin of turning our back on time."

Cast Away

It’s worth noting that while seagulls do sometimes appear on real-world remote islands—such as in the case of some island-based seabird colonies—they are typically not the dominant bird species. On truly isolated islands, the birds are more likely to be species that are better adapted to living at sea.

Why Is This Important?

While it might seem trivial to point out inaccuracies in Hollywood depictions of deserted islands, it’s a reminder that the world we see on screen is often constructed rather than realistic. The sound of seagulls, for instance, is one of many cinematic tools used to convey a particular feeling or setting. But for those with a genuine interest in nature and wildlife, it’s important to remember that the reality of deserted islands is far more diverse and complex than films typically show.

Conclusion: The Hollywood Myth of Seagulls

In the end, seagulls might be the ultimate symbol of coastal life, but they are not the true residents of deserted islands. Their call might echo across the screen to set the mood, but in the real world, the birds that inhabit isolated islands are more likely to be seabirds that thrive further out to sea. Whether you’re watching a film about a castaway or reading a nature documentary about remote ecosystems, it’s good to remember that not everything you see on screen is an accurate portrayal of the natural world.

Vocabulary List:

1. Coastal (adjective) –  Relating to or found on the coast.
   • Example: Would you like to buy a coastal house?
2. Seabird (noun) –  A bird that lives primarily in or around the sea, especially on cliffs or islands.
   • Example: Living by the coast and we see many seabirds.
3. Uninhabited (adjective)–   Not occupied or lived in by people : not inhabited.
   • Example: There are many small uninhabited islands near here.
4. Frigatebird (noun) –  A large seabird known for its long wings and its ability to fly over vast distances of the ocean.
   • Example: My favourite bird is the Firegate Bird.
5. Tern (noun) –  A type of seabird often found along coastlines or remote islands.
   • Example: The tern is a beautiful bird
6. Petrel (noun) –   A seabird that often lives in remote oceanic areas and is known for its ability to fly long distances over the sea.
   • Example: I have never seen a petrel bird fly over this area.
7. Shearwater (noun) –  A type of seabird that is known for its graceful flight over ocean waters.
   • Example: The long-winged Shearwater birds are related to the petrels.
8. Soundscape (noun) –  The combination of all the sounds in a particular environment.
   • Example: His lush keyboard soundscapes the room.
9. Cinematic (adjective) –  Relating to the production or representation of motion pictures.
   • Example: The music is really cinematic.

Discussion Questions and Topics:

1. Why are seagulls typically not found on truly deserted islands?
2. What is the role of seagull calls in films about deserted islands?
3. Which birds are more likely to inhabit remote islands compared to seagulls?
4. Have you ever noticed the use of seagull sounds in movies?
   • Do you think it affects the mood of the scene?
5. Do you think filmmakers should strive for more ecological accuracy in their portrayal of natural settings?
6. Are you more likely to remember a film for its realistic setting or for its storyline and characters?
7. What are your thoughts on how nature and wildlife are portrayed in media?
   • Do you think it’s important to be accurate, or is it okay for films to take creative liberties?