Red-billed gull

Status: Nationally vulnerable (click to see what this means)

Red-billed gulls: adult (behind) immature (front)

Braided river status

The commonest gull in New Zealand, recently the numbers of red-billed gull have markedly declined. Mostly seen on coastal margins including braided river hapua (coastal lagoons) and estuaries, they breed in colonies. They are sometimes seen inland along braided river margins (distribution map – this is 2009. See here for the Report on the National Redbill Gull Census 2014-2016).

Recent observations

Hover your cursor over thumbnails below to see the latest observations (newest left). Click on thumbnails for more information including the location (opens in the NatureWatchNZ website).

Description

The red-billed gull (Larus novaehollandiae) is also known as the silver gull, tarāpunga, tarapunga (Māori), mackerel gull, Jackie (Chathams), akiaki, seagull, and redbilled gull. A medium sized gull, it is larger than the black-billed gull, measuring 37cm and weighing 240-320grams. Juveniles are commonly confused with black-billed gulls, as the colouring and size is similar. It is genetically different to red-billed ‘seagulls’ found elsewhere in the world, including SE Australia. 

A white gull with grey wings, the beaks, feet, and eyelids are bright red-orange in mature adults. The main flight feathers are black with white tips. Juveniles have brown patches on their wings and back, and darker brown legs, bill, and iris. 

Red-billed gull with chick

Conservation activities

• National Red-billed Gull Survey 2014-2016
• Predator control on the Otago Peninsular has resulted in a 6-10% increase in a population that had declined by almost 51% nationwide, from 1983-1994.
• See threats. While numbers are declining, no species-specific conservation projects are currently underway. See the conclusions in National Red-billed Gull Survey 2014-2016: ‘Among the many factors potentially adversely influencing the red-billed gull population, predation and disturbance at breeding colonies, although prevalent, may be less important than changes in food availability offshore during the breeding season.‘
• Canterbury Pest Management Strategy
• DOC 200 traps for sale (fundraiser for Ashley-Rakahuri Rivercare Group)
• Predator trap instructions for DOC 150, 200 and 250 traps (for ferrets, stoats, rats, and hedgehogs)

More information

• NZ Birds online (includes photos, sounds)
• NatureWatchNZ
• NZ Birds