ID Gulls
Australia has three main gull species. This guide helps you identify the Silver Gull, Pacific Gull and Kelp Gull - including how their appearance changes from juvenile to adult.
Tap on each image to see a larger version.
Kelp Gull
Juvenile (less than 1 year)
Bill shape and the checkered-looking feathers on its upper wings (compared the scalloped of the Pacific Gull) and how its primary feathers are exposed when its wings are folded (looks like some extra feathers at the back)
Kelp Gull
Immature (1-4 years)
Pale beak with a dark tip, and mottled brown head and neck
Kelp Gull
Adult (4+ years)
Red on its bill only on the lower mandible (lower bill), crescents of white feathers on its back and its legs are a duller yellow. Size is halfway between a Silver Gull (seagull) and a Pacific Gull.
Pacific Gull
Juvenile (0-1 years)
Mostly brown with scallop-looking feathers on its back and wings, dark bill
Pacific Gull
Immature (1-4 years)
Mostly brown with scallop-looking feathers on its back, pale pink bill has a dark tip at the end
Pacific Gull
Adult (4+ years)
Big yellowy-orange bill that has a red tip, bright yellow legs (largest of the gulls)
Silver Gull
Immature (less than 1 year)
Brown buff ‘checkering’ on its back and wings, darker bill with a dark tip (and making a racket and demanding to be fed)
Silver Gull
Adult (1+ years)
Mainly white with light grey back and wings, red bill and red legs (the most common of the gulls, also know as a seagull)
Crested Tern
Not a gull!
This bird sometimes likes hanging out with gulls, especially on the beach and rocks. Find out more in the Tern ID guide.
Podcast episodes
Learn more about gulls and other beach birds in these Weekend Birder podcast episodes: