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The Red-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus), once also known as the mackerel gull, is a native of New Zealand, being found throughout the country and on outlying islands including the Chatham Islands and subantarctic islands. It was formerly considered as a separate species but is now usually treated as a subspecies of theSilver Gull(Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae).
The Māori name of this species is tarapunga or akiaki. Its vernacular name is sometimes also used for the dolphin gull, a somewhat similar-looking but unrelated species. As is the case with many gulls, the red-billed gull has traditionally been placed in the genus Larus.
Distribution It is the smallest gull commonly seen in New Zealand; a recent estimate of the population puts it at half a million birds in the country. Until recently it was regarded as a subspecies of the Silver Gull found in Australia, and the two species are very similar in appearance. However the most recent research suggests that they are not particularly closely related.
Range map from www.oiseaux.net - Ornithological Portal Oiseaux.net
www.oiseaux.netis one of those MUST visit pages if you're in to bird watching. You can find just about everything there
Description The red-billed gull is a fairly small gull with an all-red bill, red eye ring, red legs and feet, pale grey wings with black wingtips. The rest of the body and tail are white. There is virtually no visual difference between the male and female birds.
Juvenile gulls have a dark brown bill with only hints of red, making them difficult to distinguish from the black-billed gull. The legs are also brown and there are brown spots on the grey wings.
Behaviour Behaviourally, the red-billed gull is a typical gull. It is an aggressive scavenger and kleptoparasite. Since European settlement its numbers have increased, especially around coastal towns and cities where it can scavenge from urban waste. It normally feeds on small fish, shell fish and worms (from pastures), and sometimes berries, lizards and insects.
Life cycleThey nest from October to December in colonies on the coast, either on islands or rocky headlands, cliffs and beaches. The birds form pair bonds which endure across seasons, but there is a certain amount of extra-pair copulation.
Courtship feeding is an important part of the preparation for mating. Nests are well formed and may be constructed of seaweed, grasses, leaves and ice plants. Generally two to three eggs are laid, their colour ranges from brown to grey with light and dark brown spots all over. The bird generally lives up to 12 years, although individuals have also been found living up to 30 years.
Sighted: 24 October 2017 (Date of first photo that I could use)
Location: Matakana, Matakana River
Red-billed Gull - Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Once also known as the Mackerel Gull
Red-billed Gull - Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Once also known as the Mackerel Gull
Red-billed Gull - Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Once also known as the Mackerel Gull
Red-billed Gull - Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae scopulinus - 24 October 2017 - Matakana, Matakana River
Once also known as the Mackerel Gull
Going bird watching on New Zealand? I have been to a few places but so far New Zealand is outstanding regarding information on the internet. There are two organizations that are stickingout so far when it comes to information about birds and wildlife/ outdoor living. Bird information, bird song and maps. Yes, there are excellent trekking maps online so you can plan, or go back after the trek to see where you have been, excellent. I have not been disappointed.
• New Zealand's Department of Conservationwww.doc.govt.nzClick on “Nature” or just hoover with the mouse over the “Nature”
Many other places I have been to have excellent maps on site, but trying to find them onlinerendering nothing but disappointments. The New Zealand's Department of Conservation is the ONE STOP ONLY for everything regarding outdoor activities on New Zealand.
New Zealand Birds Online, there is everything you ever wish to know about the birds on New Zealand. Nothing less than fantastic. ClickHEREto down load Checklist of the birds of NZ from New Zealand Birds Online web pagenzbirdsonline.org.nz
One of the best web pages I have ever seen when it comes to birding. All the information you can ever ask for and a ONE STOP for all your needs before going bird watching on New Zealand. Range maps, sounds, information and bird lists, everything you need.
PLEASE! If I have made any mistakes identifying any bird, PLEASE let me know on my guestbook