Ecology of the common gull (Larus canus) 
 

Project code 

QU09-15

Contact

Dr. Neil Reid

PhD Student

Shane Wolsey

Supervisor(s)

Prof. Ian Montgomery & Dr Hansjörg Kunc

Client & Funding

NIEA (NHRP)

Collaborator(s)

Prof. John, O'Halloran (UCC)

Client Officer(s)

Ian Enlander

Start date

01/10/2009

End date

30/09/2014

The common gull (Larus canus) is amber-listed in the UK but widely distributed throughout the British Isles. Its populations have undergone marked fluctuations between 1969-2002 (Operation Seafarer Survey) with most regions in annual decline; England, Wales, Isle of Man and Channels Islands (-3.6% per annum) and Scotland (-1.8% per annum).

However, some Irish population, for example those in County Down have demonstrated growth during the same period (+1% per annum), predominately driven by a large colony on Big Copeland Island having one of the highest annual growth rates of any colony in the British Isles (+16% per annum). Other colonies, such as Rathlin Island have also shown considerable growth (+2.7% per annum between 1985-2002).

Reasons for regional differences in population trajectories and the success of Irish populations, particularly on the Copeland Islands are unknown.

This 5 year part-time PhD studentship is partly funded by the Natural Heritage Research Partnership (NHRP) and aims to:

  1. Review of the distribution and abundance of common gulls throughout the British Isles;
  2. Compare the productivity of common gulls on the Copeland Islands with a colony in Great Britain in decline;
  3. Identify breeding foraging ranges and key feeding sites;
  4. Identify the diet of common gulls;
  5. Post-fledging dispersal and winter movements of adults.