Black-billed gulls are unique and very different from the other two gull species in New Zealand. Endemic to New Zealand, they are considered the most endangered gull species in the world and over the past 30 years, have suffered declines over 75%. In collaboration with Toroa Consulting Ltd, WMIL have been monitoring breeding success and banding black-billed gull chicks from several colonies in the upper South Island since 2009.

These banded birds have allowed previously unknown information to be gathered on adult and juvenile survival, movements of birds, as well as age of first breeding and pair bonds. These data provide ground-breaking information on understanding black-billed gulls and their use of different habitats, feeding directly into this species’ conservation management plan.

We rely on sightings of banded birds from everywhere, and from anyone, at all times. If you see any, please report all sightings to info@wmil.co.nz with the date, time, location as well as colour and engraved number of the band.