Tarāpuka / Black-billed gull

Larus bulleri

At Risk - Declining

Sleek, social and surprisingly rare, the black-billed gull, or tarāpuka, is the world’s most endangered gull, found only in Aotearoa. While they may look like your typical gull at first glance, their slim black bill, delicate build and strong ties to braided river habitats set them apart. Their noisy nesting colonies are a vital part of river ecosystems – and a call to action for conservation.

Quick Facts:

• Black-billed gulls nest in large, noisy colonies on South Island braided rivers – often alongside terns and oystercatchers.
• Their slender black bill and pale grey wings distinguish them from more common gull species.
• Threatened by predators, floods and human disturbance – especially during nesting season.
• Despite their at-risk status, they’re often mistaken for common gulls, making them an overlooked conservation priority.

Protecting tarāpuka means defending fragile riverbed nesting sites and raising awareness about one of our most threatened, but least recognised native birds.

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