Distribution Map
Silver Gull
Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae
NativeStatus
CommonRarity
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Species Description
The Silver Gull (*Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae*) is Australia’s most widespread and familiar gull, found across nearly all coastal and many inland regions. Its adaptability has made it a regular presence not just on beaches and harbours, but also in cities, parks, and even far inland wherever water is found. The Silver Gull is well-known for its bold behaviour around people and its success as a scavenger.
Fun Facts
Silver Gulls are expert scavengers and can often be seen following fishing boats or gathering in large flocks at rubbish tips.
1. Adults have a bright red bill, legs, and eye-ring.
2. White body and head with pale grey wings and black-tipped primaries.
3. Juveniles show brown mottling and darker bill and legs.
Silver Gulls are highly adaptable and opportunistic feeders, eating anything from fish and invertebrates to human food scraps and garbage. They are often seen in large, noisy flocks, especially around fishing boats and picnic areas. Breeding occurs mainly in large colonies on offshore or inland islands between August-December, with nests built on the ground from vegetation. Both parents share nesting duties, and two broods may be raised in a year. Their population has increased in many areas due to abundant food from human sources, with nesting space now the main limitation.
Silver Gulls are found throughout Australia, from the coasts to far inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands. They thrive around urban areas, harbours, rubbish tips, and parks, and are especially common near human activity where food is plentiful. They are also found in New Zealand and New Caledonia.
Physical Attributes
Height
42 cm
Size Relative to Other Birds81%
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