Scientific Name: Larus novaehollandiae

Male and female silver gulls are identical with a predominantly white body and grey wings. The bill and legs are bright red. The wing tips are barred with black and white. The total length is about 40cm

Did You Know? The silver gull's adaptability to utilize new habitats and food sources have led to a huge increase in its numbers since European settlement.

Habitat: Although primarily a sea bird, silver gulls are found throughout the country, even far inland inhabiting large lakes and wetlands.

Diet: The silver gull feeds on fish, plankton, crustaceans and aquatic insects. Since the silver gulls are a scavenger, they will compete with pigeons and sparrows for the scraps of food thrown by picnickers around the parks, as well as frequenting rubbish tips.

Reproduction: Silver gulls breed in colonies on islands and other safe areas, venturing to the same locality each year and usually mating with the same partner. They prefer to nest on the ground but will occupy bushes or trees if no ground space is available. Both parents share the nesting responsibilities, feeding the young for about 6 weeks after they hatch.