Black-billed Gull, a Endemic Fairly Common bird in New Zealand

Distribution Map

Black-billed Gull

Chroicocephalus bulleri

EndemicStatus

Fairly CommonRarity

1 / 10

Species Description

The Black-billed Gull, or Tarāpuka in te reo Māori, is a medium-sized seabird native to New Zealand. With its elegant white plumage and distinctive black bill, this gull stands out among its cousins. It's a common sight along rivers and coasts, often gathering in large, noisy colonies.

Fun Facts

Black-billed Gulls can form "super colonies" of over 10,000 birds during breeding season.

1. Black bill in breeding season, bi-colored (reddish base, black tip) in non-breeding season

2. Pale grey wings with a distinctive white leading edge

3. Red eye-ring and legs during breeding season

Black-billed Gulls form tightly packed breeding colonies, often with thousands of birds. They typically lay two eggs and are fiercely protective parents. Unfortunately, introduced predators like stoats and ferrets pose a significant threat to their nesting success, contributing to population declines in recent years.

Search for Black-billed Gulls along braided rivers, lakes, and coastal areas throughout New Zealand. They're most active during daylight hours, often seen foraging in fields or resting on gravel bars. During the breeding season, look for large, noisy colonies on riverbeds. For the best views, try visiting estuaries or river mouths where they gather to feed and roost.