Birds depredating stingrays and skates (Chondrichthyes: Batoidea): new observations and a review of records

Gulls (Larus spp.) have a diet that includes fish, but they are also often dietary generalists. A limited number of dietary studies have been undertaken on the Pacific Gull Larus pacificus, which are endemic to Australia. Here, an observation of depredation by a Pacific Gull on a Southern Fiddler Ray Trygonorrhina dumerilii is described. Prior to this observation, rays and skates had not been recorded in the diet of Pacific Gulls, and there are few records in the literature of depredation by gulls (Laridae), or other bird families, on species of cartilaginous fishes from the superorder Batoidea. However, there is substantial documentary evidence, available online, of gulls and other bird species preying on rays and skates, which is described herein.