Seagulls thrive in urban Australia as summer symbols and opportunistic feeders

Seagulls, particularly the silver gull, are a common sight in Australia, especially during summer. While often criticized for scavenging, they thrive in urban areas due to the abundant food sources created by human activity. Research shows that seagulls adapt well to city life, tolerating noise and disturbances. They are opportunistic feeders, learning from humans to find food, and can drink both fresh and saltwater, allowing them to forage far from the coast. The silver gull population has increased significantly over the past century, with some colonies growing dramatically. However, recent reports indicate that their numbers may be stabilizing or even declining in certain regions, though this does not necessarily reflect a nationwide trend.