The black-billed gull, also called Buller's gull or tarāpuka (Māori), is a Near Threatened species of gull in the family Laridae. This gull is found only in New Zealand, its ancestors having arrived from Australia around 250,000 years ago.
Region
New Zealand and surrounding waters
Typical Environment
Breeds primarily on braided rivers of the South Island, nesting on gravel islands, shingle bars, and sparsely vegetated riverbeds. Also uses inland lakes and river deltas when conditions are suitable. Outside the breeding season it disperses widely to coastal estuaries, harbors, lagoons, and sandy shorelines, with some birds reaching the North Island. It favors open, unvegetated substrates for nesting and broad shallow waters for foraging. Colonies frequently shift location in response to river dynamics and disturbance.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1000 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The black-billed gull (tarāpuka) is the world’s most threatened gull, with colonies highly vulnerable to floods, habitat change, and introduced predators. It breeds mainly on South Island braided rivers and shifts to coasts and estuaries after breeding. Conservation efforts focus on predator control, managing river flows, and protecting key colony sites. Adults can be confused with red-billed gulls, but have a slimmer all-black bill and darker legs.
J. G. Keulemans's 1888 illustration of black-billed gull (front) with red-billed gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus)
Adult at Lake Taupō
Temperament
social and colonial
Flight Pattern
buoyant flier with steady wingbeats and frequent glides
Social Behavior
Nests in dense colonies on riverbeds, forming shallow scrape nests lined with vegetation. Typically monogamous within a season, with both adults incubating and feeding chicks. Colonies are highly sensitive to flooding, human disturbance, and predation by introduced mammals.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocal repertoire includes sharp, high-pitched kek-kek calls, harsh scolds, and contact chatter within colonies. Calls become especially frequent and strident during courtship, territorial disputes, and predator alarms.
