Pacific Gull

Scientific Name: Larus pacificus

Description: Although still quite common along local beaches, like many shore birds its numbers have declined substantially in recent decades. It is often seen flying on the shore-line where it finds beach-cast fish, squid, and even small sea birds on which it feeds. It will also take sea urchins from rocky reefs, breaking the shell by dropping them from 10-15m onto the rocks. The nearest nesting areas are Bass Strait Islands. Until they attain full adult plumage at about five years, they are mottled brown in colour, beginning to resemble the black and white adults after three to four years.

Type: Bird
Where to find: Estuary Intertidal Reef Open Ocean
Size: 66cm