australian seagull Page 6

Ah, the Australian seagull—nature's opportunistic beach bum with wings. Officially known as the Silver Gull (Larus novaehollandiae), these cheeky birds are everywhere from Bondi to Broome, scavenging chips and causing mild havoc. They boast a wingspan of about 1 metre and sport a jaunty red bill and legs, perfect for their kleptomaniac lifestyle. Mostly coastal but increasingly inland, these gulls are the reason your picnic never lasts five minutes. Watch out for their dive-bombing tactics and their uncanny ability to spot your lunch from a mile away. For more on their habits and identification, check out local birdwatching guides or ServiceCentral for ecological info.