SILVER GULL
Larus novaehollandiae
DESCRIPTION
The Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) is a medium-sized gull native to Australia and New Zealand. It is characterized by its striking white body, grey wings, and distinctive red bill and legs.
FUN FACTS
- Silver Gulls are known for their intelligence and adaptability | They can often be seen scavenging in urban areas | Their loud calls are a familiar sound along Australian coastlines
QUICK INFO
Lifespan10-15 years in the wild
Average Weight0.3-0.4 kg
Average Length0.4-0.5 m
Diet TypeOmnivore
Social Structuregroup — often seen in large flocks, especially at feeding sites
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring to early summer
- Habitat
- Silver Gulls are commonly found in coastal areas, estuaries, and urban environments. They often inhabit beaches, harbors, and wetlands.
- Biomes
- Coastal, Urban
- Native Range
- Primarily found in Australia and New Zealand, with some populations in nearby islands.
- Continent
- Australia, Oceania
- Countries
- Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands
- Diet
- Silver Gulls are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of food items. Their diet includes fish, crustaceans, and human food scraps.
- Diet Type
- Omnivore
- Favorite Food
- fish, crustaceans, human food scraps
- Social Structure
- group — often seen in large flocks, especially at feeding sites
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 10-100
- Territorial
- 0
VU
0.3-0.4 kg
Weight
0.4-0.5 m
Length
- Coloration
- white body with grey wings and a black head during breeding season
- Lifespan
- 10-15 years in the wild
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring to early summer
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Silver Gulls is considered stable and widespread.
- Wild Population Estimate
- hundreds of thousands
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss and pollution, particularly from plastic waste. They can also be affected by changes in food availability due to overfishing.
- Predators
- foxes, large birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- They often use aggressive vocalizations and mobbing behavior to defend their nests.
- Compatible Animals
- other gull species, shorebirds
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon