Hartlaub's gull is a small gull in the genus Chroicocephalus. It was formerly placed in the genus Larus until genetic research demonstrated that the old broad view of that genus was paraphyletic. In the past it had sometimes been treated as a subspecies of the Australasian silver gull, but is now treated as a separate species; current genetic evidence suggests its closest relative is not the silver gull but the African and South American grey-headed gull, and in particular the African subspecies of it C. c. poiocephalus.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs along the coasts of South Africa and Namibia, especially around the Cape region, estuaries, and sheltered bays. Frequent in harbors, piers, sewage works, and urban shorelines, and also visits inland dams and wetlands. Breeds on offshore islands, guano platforms, saltpans, and flat rooftops. Generally keeps close to shore and near intertidal zones rather than far offshore waters.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Hartlaub's gull is a small coastal gull of southwestern Africa, common around the Cape region’s beaches, harbors, and urban waterfronts. It was formerly placed in Larus but genetic work supports its current placement in Chroicocephalus, with close ties to the grey-headed gull. The species adapts well to human-altered habitats and often nests on rooftops or man-made platforms. It is named after the German ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub.
Walvis Bay, Namibia.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
buoyant flight with quick wingbeats and short glides
Social Behavior
Often forms noisy flocks at roosts, feeding sites, and around fishing activity. Nests colonially on islands and flat artificial structures, typically laying 2–3 eggs in a shallow scrape. Pairs are seasonally monogamous and defend small territories around the nest.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are high-pitched yelps and chattering kek-kek notes, with sharp alarm squeals in disturbance. Vocal and noisy in colonies, especially during courtship and territorial disputes.
