What is a Silver Gull?

A silver gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae), also known as a red-billed gull, is commonly found in coastal areas of Australia. The medium-sized white bird is 45 to 55 inches (about 114 to 140 centimeters) in length as an adult with a wing span of 37 inches (about 94 centimeters). The silver gull is known for its loud, raspy call and for its scavenger-like ability.

The head, neck, and body of an adult silver gull are white, the bill and legs are red, and its wings are silver with black markings. The color of the beak helps to indicate the age of the bird; the brighter the beak, the older the bird. Young gulls have brown markings on their wings and a dark-colored bill.

While the silver gull is commonly found along the coast, particularly on islands in Port Phillip Bay, the birds are also found in urban areas. Gulls are often found along beaches, near shopping centers, garbage dumps, and even airports. Flocks of the gulls may pose danger to Australian aircraft, as the birds fly unpredictably. If an aircraft hits a gull, there is a chance the bird can get stuck in the engine, resulting in mechanical failure.

Opportunistic in their feeding habits, gulls have been known to acquire some of their food at landfills and uncovered waste receptacles. The natural diet of the silver gull consists of fish, worms, plankton, and insects. Sometimes, gulls will feed on the young of other birds — even of other gulls. Predators of the gull include weasels and large mammals. The gulls often can ward off predators with their loud shrieks or by dive bombing their natural enemies.

By the age of two or three, the gulls are able to reproduce. Breeding typically occurs in July or August in large colonies, and the birds make their saucer-shaped nests out of seaweed, roots, and plant stems. Nests are often found on islets, rocks, and old boats, and in shrubs.

A female will lay anywhere from one to four eggs a season. Her eggs are light brown, blue, or green in color, with spots or stripes. Both the male and female share the feeding duties. Young gull wills stay in their next for about six weeks before wandering off on their own. If the birds leave the nest too early, they run the risk of being attacked or eaten by predators.

The Silver Gull, known scientifically as Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae, is a species of gull native to Australia. It's easily recognized by its white plumage with light grey wings and a distinctive red beak and legs. These birds are commonly found along coasts and inland waterways, where they play an important role in the ecosystem by scavenging and controlling insect populations.

Silver Gulls are widely distributed across Australia and are also found in New Zealand and New Caledonia. They inhabit a variety of environments including shores, estuaries, and even urban areas. According to BirdLife Australia, they are one of the most familiar seabirds in the region due to their extensive range and adaptability to different habitats.

Silver Gulls have a varied diet that includes fish, insects, worms, and crustaceans. They are opportunistic feeders, often scavenging for scraps in urban areas. Their feeding habits help keep the environment clean by consuming waste and carrion. Studies have shown that their diet can change depending on the availability of food sources in their habitat.

Silver Gulls breed in colonies on offshore islands and sometimes on the mainland. They typically lay two to three eggs in a nest made of vegetation and debris. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The Australian Bird & Bat Banding Scheme notes that these gulls can breed year-round, depending on the climate and food availability.

No, Silver Gulls are not currently endangered. They are listed as 'Least Concern' by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their populations are stable and widespread, partly due to their ability to thrive in a variety of environments, including those altered by humans. However, they still face threats from pollution and habitat destruction.

Silver Gulls can live for more than a decade in the wild. The longevity record for a Silver Gull, according to the Australian Bird & Bat Banding Scheme, is 24 years. Their lifespan can be influenced by various factors, including predation, disease, and environmental conditions. In urban areas, they may live shorter lives due to hazards such as traffic and pollution.