Silver Gull

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae is represented in New Zealand by the red-billed gull form. It differs from black-billed gull through its bright red bill and legs and paler silver-grey wings. Adults have a white head and body, silver-grey back, red bill and red legs. Juveniles have brown wing markings and darker bills.

It breeds around the mainland, Chatham and subantarctic coasts and feeds inland locally. Harbours, beaches, islands and towns are widely used. It eats krill, fish, marine invertebrates and human scraps. Large colonies form near productive coastal waters.

The New Zealand classification is Declining. Kaikōura Peninsula, Otago Peninsula and Wellington waterfront provide easy views.