Crafty seagulls have worked out pub closing times and where to find the best fish and chips.
Seagulls
The intelligent birds, regarded a nuisance by some, have learnt the opening patter of pubs and the times which they are more likely to find leftover food scattered on the street.
The study, carried out by experts at the University of the West of England (UWE) also revealed that the birds are fussy when it comes to their fish - they prefer fish in batter and also enjoy takeaway chicken and pork ribs.
Project leader Dr. Chris Pawson said: ''A lot of the birds will sit up in safety on the roofs of shopping centres, where they can observe what is going on. They wait for people to drop food, but we are getting increasing anecdotal evidence that they are coming down and taking it out of people's hands.''
The 18-month project found hoards of seagulls descending on a spot after 10pm and when their nests were examined, they contained more than 40 bones from roadkill or junk food along with plastic forks, spoons, cable ties, rubber bands and human hair.
The survey results will help Bath and North East Somerset Council tackle the city's seagull issue.