Register      Login
Australian Journal of Zoology Australian Journal of Zoology Society
Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
RESEARCH ARTICLE

The diet of Pacific gulls (Larus pacificus) breeding at Seal Island in northern Bass Strait

Tamara N. Leitch A C , Peter Dann B and John P. Y. Arnould A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne, Vic. 3125, Australia.

B Phillip Island Nature Parks, Phillip Island, Melbourne, Vic. 3922, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: tleitch@wideband.net.au

Australian Journal of Zoology 62(3) 216-222 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO13066
Submitted: 23 August 2013  Accepted: 9 May 2014   Published: 5 June 2014

Abstract

The endemic Pacific gull (Larus pacificus) is Australia’s largest larid, and though little is currently known of its foraging ecology, its size and wide distribution suggest that it may play an important role within the marine environment. In the present study, regurgitate pellets collected from Seal Island in northern Bass Strait were used to compare intra- and interannual trends in diet composition. The main taxa identified in pellets were the common diving-petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrix), leatherjacket species (Family Monacanthidae), short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris) and mirror bush (Coprosma repens). Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) identified no significant differences in numerical abundance of the dominant prey species between years, suggesting that the prey base in this region is temporally consistent or that the gulls consume low enough numbers to be unaffected by fluctuation in prey populations. Diving-petrels were consumed in consistently high numbers, suggesting the gulls may be an important predator of this species, or that the gulls are particularly skilled at foraging for them.


References

Annett, C., and Pierotti, R. (1989). Chick hatching as a trigger for dietary switching in the western gull. Colonial Waterbirds 12, 4–11.
Chick hatching as a trigger for dietary switching in the western gull.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Baird, R. W. (1996). Yellow-footed gull (Larus livens) preys on a black storm-petrel (Oceanodroma melania). Colonial Waterbirds 19, 260–261.
Yellow-footed gull (Larus livens) preys on a black storm-petrel (Oceanodroma melania).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bilney, R. J., Cooke, R., and White, J. (2006). Change in the diet of sooty owls (Tyto tenebricosa) since European settlement: from terrestrial to arboreal prey and increased overlap with powerful owls. Wildlife Research 33, 17–24.
Change in the diet of sooty owls (Tyto tenebricosa) since European settlement: from terrestrial to arboreal prey and increased overlap with powerful owls.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boyd, I. L., Wanless, S., and Camphuysen, C. J. (2006). ‘Top Predators in Marine Ecosystems: Their Role in Monitoring and Management’. (Cambridge University Press: New York.)

Burger, J. (1988). Foraging behavior in gulls – differences in method, prey and habitat. Colonial Waterbirds 11, 9–23.
Foraging behavior in gulls – differences in method, prey and habitat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burton, R. W. (1968). Breeding biology of the brown skua, Catharacta skua lonnbergi (Mathews), at Signy Island, South Orkney Islands. British Antarctic Survey Bulletin 15, 9–28.

Chochi, M., Niizuma, Y., and Takagi, M. (2002). Sexual differences in the external measurements of black-tailed gulls breeding on Rishiri Island, Japan. Ornithological Science 1, 163–166.
Sexual differences in the external measurements of black-tailed gulls breeding on Rishiri Island, Japan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chudzik, J. M., Graham, K. D., and Morris, R. D. (1994). Comparative breeding success and diet of ring-billed and herring gulls on South Limestone Island, Georgian Bay. Colonial Waterbirds 17, 18–27.
Comparative breeding success and diet of ring-billed and herring gulls on South Limestone Island, Georgian Bay.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clarke, K. R. (1993). Non-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure. Australian Journal of Ecology 18, 117–143.
Non-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Costermans, L. (2007). ‘Native Trees and Shrubs of South-eastern Australia.’ (Reed New Holland: Sydney.)

Coulson, G., and Coulson, R. (1982). The significance of rubbish tips as an additional food source for the kelp gull and the Pacific gull in Tasmania. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Tasmania.

Coulson, J. C., Thomas, C. S., Butterfield, J. E. L., Duncan, N., Monaghan, P., and Shedden, C. (1983). The use of head and bill length to sex live gulls Laridae. The Ibis 125, 549–557.
The use of head and bill length to sex live gulls Laridae.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Coulson, R., and Coulson, G. (1993). Diets of the Pacific gull Larus pacificus and the kelp gull Larus dominicanus in Tasmania. Emu 93, 50–53.
Diets of the Pacific gull Larus pacificus and the kelp gull Larus dominicanus in Tasmania.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dann, P. (1991). Distribution, population trends and factors influencing the population size of little penguins Eudyptula minor on Phillip Island, Victoria. Emu 91, 263–272.
Distribution, population trends and factors influencing the population size of little penguins Eudyptula minor on Phillip Island, Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Dwight, J. (1919). A new subspecies of the western gull. Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 32, 11–14.

Feare, C. (Ed.) (2002). ‘Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. Vol. 122.’ (Clarendon Press: Oxford.)

Furlani, D., Gales, R. P., and Pemberton, D. (2007). ‘Otoliths of Common Australian Temperate Fish: A Photographic Guide.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Galarza, A., Hidalgo, J., Ocio, G., and Rodriguez, P. (2008). Sexual size dimorphism and determination of sex in Atlantic yellow-legged gulls Larus michahellis lusitanius from northern Spain. Ardeola 55, 41–47.

Gilliland, S. G., Ankney, C. D., and Hicklin, P. W. (2004). Foraging ecology of great black-backed gulls during brood-rearing in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick. Canadian Journal of Zoology 82, 1416–1426.
Foraging ecology of great black-backed gulls during brood-rearing in the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hairston, N. G., Smith, F. E., and Slobodkin, L. B. (1960). Community structure, population control and competition. American Naturalist 94, 421–425.
Community structure, population control and competition.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Herrera, G., Punta, G., and Yorio, P. (2005). Diet specialization of Olrog’s gull Larus atlanticus during the breeding season at Golfo San Jorge, Argentina. Bird Conservation International 15, 89–97.
Diet specialization of Olrog’s gull Larus atlanticus during the breeding season at Golfo San Jorge, Argentina.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Higgins, P. J., and Davies, S. J. J. F. (1996). ‘Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 3. Snipe to Pigeons.’ (Oxford University Press: Melbourne.)

Hulsman, K., and Smith, G. (1988). Biology and growth of the black-naped tern Sterna sumatrana: an hypothesis to explain the relative growth rates of inshore, offshore and pelagic feeders. Emu 88, 234–242.
Biology and growth of the black-naped tern Sterna sumatrana: an hypothesis to explain the relative growth rates of inshore, offshore and pelagic feeders.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hume, F., Hindell, M., Pemberton, D., and Gales, R. P. (2004). Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of a high trophic level predator, the Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus). Marine Biology 144, 407–415.
Spatial and temporal variation in the diet of a high trophic level predator, the Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnstone, R. E. (1982). Distribution, status and variation of the silver gull Larus novaehollandiae Stephens, with notes on the Larus cirrocephalus species group. Records of the Western Australian Museum 10, 133–165.

Kim, S. Y., and Monaghan, P. (2006). Interspecific differences in foraging preferences, breeding performance and demography in herring (Larus argentatus) and lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) at a mixed colony. Journal of Zoology 270, 664–671.
Interspecific differences in foraging preferences, breeding performance and demography in herring (Larus argentatus) and lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus) at a mixed colony.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kubetzki, U., and Garthe, S. (2003). Distribution, diet and habitat selection by four sympatrically breeding gull species in the south-eastern North Sea. Marine Biology 143, 199–207.
Distribution, diet and habitat selection by four sympatrically breeding gull species in the south-eastern North Sea.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lindsay, M. C. M., and Meathrel, C. E. (2008). Where, when and how? Limitations of the techniques used to examine dietary preference of Pacific gulls (Larus pacificus) using non-consumed parts of prey and regurgitated pellets of prey remains. Waterbirds 31, 611–619.

Littler, F. M. (1910). ‘Handbook of the Birds of Tasmania and its Dependencies.’ (Published by the author: Launceston.)

Lu, C. C., and Ickeringell, R. (2002). Cephalopod beak identification and biomass estimation techniques: tools for dietary studies of southern Australian finfishes. Museum of Victoria Science Reports 6, 1–65.

Ludynia, K., Garthe, S., and Luna-Jorquera, G. (2005). Seasonal and regional variation in the diet of the kelp gull in northern Chile. Waterbirds 28, 359–365.
Seasonal and regional variation in the diet of the kelp gull in northern Chile.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Marchant, S., and Higgins, P. J. (1990). ‘Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Vol. 1A. Ratites to Ducks.’ (Oxford University Press: Melbourne.)

Massaro, M., Chardine, J. W., Jones, I. L., and Robertson, G. J. (2000). Delayed capelin (Mallotus villosus) availability influences predatory behaviour of large gulls on black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), causing a reduction in kittiwake breeding success. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78, 1588–1596.
Delayed capelin (Mallotus villosus) availability influences predatory behaviour of large gulls on black-legged kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla), causing a reduction in kittiwake breeding success.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Matias, R., and Catry, P. (2010). The diet of Atlantic yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis atlantis) at an oceanic seabird colony: estimating predatory impact upon breeding petrels. European Journal of Wildlife Research 56, 861–869.
The diet of Atlantic yellow-legged gulls (Larus michahellis atlantis) at an oceanic seabird colony: estimating predatory impact upon breeding petrels.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mawhinney, K., and Diamond, T. (1999). Sex determination of great black-backed gulls using morphometric characters. Journal of Field Ornithology 70, 206–210.

Miskelly, C. M., Taylor, G. A., Gummer, H., and Williams, R. (2009). Translocations of eight species of burrow-nesting seabirds (genera Pterodroma, Pelecanoides, Pachyptila and Puffinus: Family Procellariidae). Biological Conservation 142, 1965–1980.
Translocations of eight species of burrow-nesting seabirds (genera Pterodroma, Pelecanoides, Pachyptila and Puffinus: Family Procellariidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ottaway, J. R., Carrick, R., and Murray, M. D. (1985). Dispersal of silver gulls Larus novaehollandiae Stephens from breeding colonies in South Australia. Australian Wildlife Research 12, 279–298.
Dispersal of silver gulls Larus novaehollandiae Stephens from breeding colonies in South Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Palomares, L. E., Arroyo, B. E., Marchamalo, J., Sainz, J. J., and Voslamber, B. (1997). Sex- and age-related biometric variation of black-headed gulls Larus ridibundus in western European populations. Bird Study 44, 310–317.
Sex- and age-related biometric variation of black-headed gulls Larus ridibundus in western European populations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Payne, L. X., and Moore, J. W. (2006). Mobile scavengers create hotspots of freshwater productivity. Oikos 115, 69–80.
Mobile scavengers create hotspots of freshwater productivity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD28Xht1WjsL%2FN&md5=4bebbc7202695795a60416844df020e0CAS |

Pierotti, R., and Annett, C. A. (1991). Diet choice in the herring gull – constraints imposed by reproductive and ecological factors. Ecology 72, 319–328.
Diet choice in the herring gull – constraints imposed by reproductive and ecological factors.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Poore, G. C. B. (2004). ‘Marine Decapod Crustacea of Southern Australia: A Guide to Identification.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne.)

Sale, M. G., Ward, S. J., and Arnould, J. P. Y. (2006). Aspects of the ecology of swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) on a Bass Strait island. Wildlife Research 33, 215–221.
Aspects of the ecology of swamp antechinus (Antechinus minimus maritimus) on a Bass Strait island.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sapoznikow, A., Quintana, F., and Kuba, L. (2009). Low seasonal variation in the diet of rock shags (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) at a Patagonian colony in Argentina. Emu 109, 35–39.
Low seasonal variation in the diet of rock shags (Phalacrocorax magellanicus) at a Patagonian colony in Argentina.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schumann, N., Arnould, J. P. Y., and Dann, P. (2008). Diet of common diving-petrels (Pelecanoides urinatrix urinatrix) in southeastern Australia during chick rearing. Waterbirds 31, 620–624.

Schumann, N., Dann, P., and Arnould, J. P. Y. (2014). The significance of north-central Bass Strait in south-eastern Australia as seabird habitat. Emu , .

Southern, W. E., and Southern, M. D. (1984). Herring gulls Larus argentatus specialize as ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis predators. Colonial Waterbirds 7, 105–110.
Herring gulls Larus argentatus specialize as ring-billed gull Larus delawarensis predators.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sydeman, W. J., Hester, M. M., Thayer, J. A., Gress, F., Martin, P., and Buffa, J. (2001). Climate change, reproductive performance and diet composition of marine birds in the southern California Current system, 1969–1997. Progress in Oceanography 49, 309–329.
Climate change, reproductive performance and diet composition of marine birds in the southern California Current system, 1969–1997.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tomita, N., Niizuma, Y., Takagi, M., Ito, M., and Watanuki, Y. (2009). Effect of interannual variations in sea-surface temperature on egg-laying parameters of black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island, Japan. Ecological Research 24, 157–162.
Effect of interannual variations in sea-surface temperature on egg-laying parameters of black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island, Japan.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Trapp, J. L. (1979). Variation in summer diet of glaucous-winged gulls in the western Aleutian Islands: an ecological interpretation. The Wilson Bulletin 91, 412–419.

Villablanca, R., Luna-Jorquera, G., Marin, V. H., Garthe, S., and Simeone, A. (2007). How does a generalist seabird species use its marine habitat? The case of the kelp gull in a coastal upwelling area of the Humboldt current. ICES Journal of Marine Science 64, 1348–1355.
How does a generalist seabird species use its marine habitat? The case of the kelp gull in a coastal upwelling area of the Humboldt current.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wheeler, W. R., and Watson, I. (1963). The silver gull Larus novaehollandiae Stephens. Emu 63, 99–173.
The silver gull Larus novaehollandiae Stephens.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |