King Hartlaub's gull

Chroicocephalus hartlaubii

The King Hartlaub's gull, scientifically known as Chroicocephalus hartlaubii, is a medium-sized gull found along the coastal regions of southern Africa. This gull is characterized by its white head, gray wings, and a distinctive black band on the tip of its bill. During the breeding season, its plumage becomes more striking with a pinkish hue on its underparts. King Hartlaub's gulls are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of coastal habitats, including beaches, estuaries, and rocky shorelines. They are opportunistic feeders, preying on fish, crustaceans, and scavenging for human refuse. Despite facing threats from habitat loss and disturbance, the conservation status of the King Hartlaub's gull is currently assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN.

Habitat: Coastal regions of southern Africa