Hartlaubs gull

Introduction: Hartlaub's gull (Larus hartlaubii) is named after the German ornithologist and author, Karl Hartlaub. They inhabit the Namibian coastline including lagoons, bays and estuaries and forage and roost in groups. Breeding and feeding is common in urban environments. Predators of eggs include the small grey mongoose, yellow mongoose, mole snake and the African sacred Ibis.

Distribution: Coastal regions from the Orange River extending to Luderitz, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund and on to Cape Cross. Occasionally sighted from Ugab to Kunene River mouths.

Diet: Group foragers at time up to 60 birds in deep water. Also scavenges behind trawlers. Diet includes anchovies, flying insects, sardines, snoek, cuttlefish, limpet, lobster, crab and mussels. On land eats snails, moths, grasshoppers, beetles, ants and fruits.

Description: Often confused with grey-headed gull which has a longer and heavier bill and legs.

Breeding: These gulls breed on rocky offshore islands. Nests are an untidy plant stem structure built on rocky ground or in reeds typically around Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Between 1 and 3 eggs are laid between March and June.

Size: 38cm.

Weight: 290g.

Wingspan: 90cm.