Pacific Gull
Scientific Name: Larus pacificus
Size: 58 to 66 cm
What does it look and sound like?
The Pacific Gull is a large gull. The back and wings are black and the head, neck, and underparts are white. The Pacific Gull has a white tail, with a broad black band towards the tip, and a large yellow bill with a red tip, distinguish it from the otherwise similar Kelp Gull Larus dominicus. Young birds are predominantly dark brown and buff in plumage, the yellow bill becoming visible after the first year. The most common call is a loud ‘oww, oww’.
Where is it found?
It is a common sight in coastal areas of southern and south-western Australia, including Tasmania.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Pacific Gull often occurs in small flocks, feeding on a variety of foods, including fish, molluscs and human refuse.
This species features in my book Australia’s Birdwatching Megaspots
