Photo: shi zhao / CC BY-SA 2.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Hartlaub’s Gull
Chroicocephalus hartlaubii
Hartlaub's Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) — Shorebirds, Gulls & Auks of Africa.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Hartlaub’s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) is a member of the Laridae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 292 g.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Charadriiformes
- Family Laridae Gulls, Terns, Skimmers
- Genus Chroicocephalus
- Species hartlaubii
Quick facts
- Weight
- 292 g
- Diet
- Aquatic hunters
- Family
- Laridae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Habitat
- Wetland, lake & coast
How to identify
Similar birds
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Not Evaluated
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Hartlaub’s Gull hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Behaviour
A bird of coastal habitats, it uses a wide range of foraging strategies.
Migration
The Hartlaub’s Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Hartlaub’s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) is a member of the Laridae family, within the order Charadriiformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF coastal c Namibia to W Cape, s Africa.
It is a large bird. Adults weighs around 292 g, with a wing length of about 27 cm and a tail of around 9.8 cm.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Hartlaub’s Gull?
The Hartlaub’s Gull is a large bird that weighs around 292 g.
Where does the Hartlaub’s Gull live?
The Hartlaub’s Gull is found across Africa with a range covering AF coastal c Namibia to W Cape, s Africa, where it is associated with wetlands, lakes and other open water.
What family does the Hartlaub’s Gull belong to?
The Hartlaub’s Gull (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) belongs to the Laridae family, in the order Charadriiformes.
What does the Hartlaub’s Gull eat?
The Hartlaub’s Gull hunts aquatic prey such as fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Does the Hartlaub’s Gull migrate?
The Hartlaub’s Gull is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
What sound does the Hartlaub’s Gull make?
1 real field recording of the Hartlaub’s Gull — including its flight call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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