The red-billed gull, or tarāpunga, is a familiar sight along the Limestone Coast, easily recognised by its bright red bill and legs, silver-grey wings, and sharp call. Though common in appearance, this coastal gull is a protected native species and an important part of New Zealand’s marine ecosystem.
Red-billed gulls feed on small fish, plankton, and invertebrates, often foraging around tidal zones, fishing boats, and urban coastlines. They nest in colonies on offshore islands and coastal headlands, but breeding success is affected by changes in food supply, human disturbance, and predation by introduced mammals.
Their adaptability has helped them survive in changing environments, yet their populations have declined in some areas, reminding us that even our most familiar coastal birds rely on healthy, functioning marine systems.