Not a Happy Flyer

The silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) is the most common gull of Australia. It has been found throughout the continent, but particularly... more

by Michaela Perryman

Title

Not a Happy Flyer

Artist

Michaela Perryman

Medium

Photograph - Photography

Description

The silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae) is the most common gull of Australia. It has been found throughout the continent, but particularly at or near coastal areas. It is smaller than the Pacific gull (Larus pacificus), which also lives in Australia.

The silver gull should not be confused with the herring gull, which is called "silver gull" in many other languages (scientific name Larus argentatus, German Silbermöwe, French Goéland argenté, Dutch zilvermeeuw), but is a much larger, robust gull with no over-lap in range.

The head, body, and tail are white. The wings are light grey with white-spotted, black tips. Adults range from 40–45 cm (15-17 Inches) in length. Mean wingspan is 94 cm (37 Inches) Juveniles have brown pat-terns on their wings, and a dark beak. Adults have bright red beaks—the brighter the red, the older the bird.

Silver gulls are found in all states of Australia as well as New Zealand and New Caledonia It is a common species, having adapted well to urban environments and thriving around shopping centres and garbage dumps. Their successful adaption to urban habitats have seen their population increase in areas of human activity, with the availability of nesting grounds the only limiting factor on population growth

Penguin Island, Shoalwater Marine Park, Shoalwater, Western Australia

Featured
Birds in Flight 22/10/2023
Water Forms 22/10/2023
Wild Birds of the World 06/03/2024

Uploaded

October 21st, 2023