Leucophaeus atricilla, commonly known as the Laughing Gull, is native to the Americas. Its geographical distribution ranges along the Atlantic coasts of North and South America, from the northeastern United States down to the southeastern regions of South America. It is also commonly found in the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.

The Laughing Gull typically inhabits coastal areas, including beaches, estuaries, salt marshes, and mangroves. It prefers warmer climates, particularly those that provide ample feeding opportunities close to the coast. These gulls are reliant on tidal areas where they can feed on small fish, invertebrates, and scraps left by humans.

As opportunistic feeders, Laughing Gulls play a crucial role in their ecosystem by helping control the populations of fish and invertebrates and cleaning up waste as scavengers. They are adaptable and can exploit a variety of feeding opportunities, often following fishing boats or foraging in urban areas near coastlines. Their nesting habits typically involve creating colonies on sandy or rocky islands offering protection from predators.