'Dancing seagulls' perform ancient hunting ritual which helps keep the birds alive

The seagulls are actually performing a strange hunting ritual that helps keep them alive. Credit: James Cleverly

Ever seen a seagull dance?

You're not seeing things. It is in fact a strange hunting ritual that helps keep them alive.

The seagulls stamp their feet on grass to make the worms think it is raining, helping to entice them to the surface.

James Cleverly, a Conservative London Assembly member, captured footage of seagulls hunting for their prey by Horse Guards Parade, near Downing Street.

Nature conservation charity RSPB explained the gulls' hunting technique in further detail to ITV News London.

"The gulls stamp like this to attract the worms to the surface for feeding purposes," a spokesperson said.

"The worms are thought to sense the vibrations on the ground, believing it to be rain which leaves the surface moist for them.

"It leaves the worms as easy pickings for the gulls."