Silver Gull
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Silver Gull |
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Larus novaehollandiae Stephens, 1826 |
The Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae) also known simply as "seagull" in southern Australia, is the most common gull seen in Australia. It has been found throughout the continent, but particularly coastal areas. In New Zealand it is known as the Red-billed Gull to distinguish it from the very similar Black-billed Gull, which is endemic to New Zealand.
It has adapted well to urban environments, thriving around shopping centres and garbage dumps.
The Silver Gull should not be confused with the Herring Gull, which is called "silver gull" in many other languages (scientific Latin Larus argentatus, German Silbermöwe, French Goéland argenté, Dutch zilvermeeuw) but is a much larger, robust gull with no overlap in range.
The South African Hartlaub's Gull was formerly sometimes considered to be a subspecies of Silver Gull.
in flight Fremantle, Western Australia |
Silver Gulls at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego |
Silver Gulls at Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego |
[edit] References
- BirdLife International (2004). Larus novaehollandiae. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern
- Pizzey. G and Knight. F, 1997 The field guide to the birds of Australia, pg. 224, Angus and Robertson, Hong Kong. ISBN 0-207-18013-X
- Seabirds by Harrison, ISBN 0-7470-1410-8