Silver Gull

The Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) is a familiar sight across Australia, particularly in coastal regions. This species is notably smaller than its compatriot, the Pacific Gull (Larus pacificus). With its striking white plumage, light grey wings adorned with white-spotted black tips, and a vivid red beak, the Silver Gull is an unmistakable presence along the Australian shoreline.

Identification Tips

Adult Silver Gulls measure between 40 to 45 cm in length, with a wingspan stretching from 271 to 314 mm. The adult's beak is a bright red, which intensifies with age and during the breeding season. In contrast, juveniles display brown patterns on their wings and possess a darker beak, which gradually lightens as they mature.

Habitat

The Silver Gull has adapted remarkably well to urban environments, thriving in areas of human activity such as shopping centres and garbage dumps. Its natural habitat, however, spans across various Australian landscapes, including beaches, shores, and estuaries.

Distribution

This gull species is widespread across all Australian states, as well as New Zealand and New Caledonia. It has even been recorded, albeit rarely, in the United States, where individuals are believed to have escaped from captivity.

Behaviour

The Silver Gull is known for its sharp and high-pitched 'kwarwh' call, a sound that resonates across its habitat. It is a successful scavenger, often seen pestering humans for food scraps and adeptly stealing unattended meals.

Song & Calls

The Silver Gull communicates with a variety of calls, the most common being a harsh 'kwarwh' that can be heard over long distances.

Breeding

Breeding season for the Silver Gull occurs from August to December. These birds typically nest in large colonies on offshore islands, constructing their nests on the ground from seaweed, roots, and plant stems. They may also nest in low shrubs or on jetties. Clutch sizes range from one to three eggs, and it is not uncommon for two broods to be raised within a single year. Both parents share responsibilities for nest-building, incubation, and feeding.

Similar Species

The Silver Gull should not be confused with the larger Herring Gull (Larus argentatus), which is referred to as "silver gull" in several languages but does not share its range.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, Silver Gulls feed on worms, fish, insects, and crustaceans. Their opportunistic nature allows them to thrive near human settlements, where they readily scavenge for food.

Conservation Status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Silver Gull as Least Concern, reflecting its widespread distribution and large, stable population.