Bird guideSilver Gull

Australia's most widespread gull, it thrives along coasts and inland waterways and readily adapts to towns, parks, and other places where people provide food.

⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilyGulls, Terns, and Skimmers
SizeMedium
RarityCommon
HabitatCoastal waters, beaches, estuaries, harbours, islands, and offshore waters depending on season.
Best timeReported across most months in Victoria, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Sounds

Sound sample
0:000:00
Recorded by Marcin Przymencki

Range map

Range map

200approx hotspots
690389approx records
8states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

A familiar small gull with a white head and underparts, pale grey upperwings with black-and-white tips, and a bright red bill and legs in adults. Juveniles are mottled brown with a dark bill.

Behavior

Feeds opportunistically on marine invertebrates, fish, insects, and scraps, often gathering in noisy flocks around beaches, parks, and urban areas. Adults develop brighter red bills during breeding.

Regional timing

Queensland
Peak: June to January93,935 records
New South Wales
Peak: October to April176,077 records
Tasmania
Peak: October to March47,409 records
Western Australia
Peak: January to December70,236 records
Victoria
Peak: September to April226,678 records
South Australia
Peak: September to April34,563 records
Northern Territory
Peak: July to October11,978 records
Australian Capital Territory
Peak: September to February24,038 records
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