Habitat use by silver gulls Larus novaehollandiae in the Sydney-Wollongong region, New South Wales

Abstract

Prior to European occupation the extensive river systems, inlets, bays and islands in the area that is now the Sydney-Wollongong region, would have provided extensive roosting, loafing, feeding and breeding habitat for a small Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae population. Since human settlement, this habitat has been enhanced in all respects for Silver Gulls and this has led to a population explosion in the area. Silver Gulls, like other shorebirds, have four basic habitat requirements: A place to roost at night; a place to breed; a place to feed; and al place to loaf by day, where they can also preen, bathe and sleep in relative safety. In moving between these habitats, gulls may fly considerable distances, often along traditional flightpaths. Near Melbourne, for example, hundreds of birds commute daily from islands and coastal sites, up to 25 -50km inland, to feed at waste depots (Blakers et al. 1984).