Tarāpuka, black-billed gull
are the most threatened gull in the world
Where you can find them:
Mostly nesting in Southland, with only about 5 per cent nesting in the North Island. You typically find them nesting by rivers, coastal shell banks and sandspits, including on the eastern shore of Lake Wairarapa.
What they look like:
Much like the more common New Zealand red-billed gull, but with a black beak and feet. However at some times in the year, its beak and legs can change to red, and red-billed gulls sometimes have black beaks and legs! Tarāpuka are more slender and have a longer beak than their red-billed cousins.
Did you know:
Tarāpuka are found only in New Zealand, unlike our two other common gull species.