Southern black-backed gull

Southern black-backed gulls (Larus dominicanus dominicanus) are found all around New Zealand’s coast, up rivers and around farmland. They are even occasionally found quite far inland. Notorious scavengers, they hang around people in public spaces hoping for some cast off fish and chips and other scraps of food. They also prey on still-living things, such as the eggs and chicks of shorebirds. The black-backed gull has no legal protection in New Zealand. Because of its size and its liking for open environments, black-backed gulls are a major air strike risk. They’re also regarded as pests by farmers as they will attack sick sheep and newborn lambs. The adult’s plumage is dark black and a beautiful bright white. Chicks will peck at the red spot on the adult’s bill, begging to be fed.