BLACK-BILLED GULL

BLACK-BILLED GULL (Chroicocephalus buller) – (See images below)
NAME: The English name ‘Gull’ would have its origins in Old Celtic ‘Gullan’ and other languages, including Latin ‘gula’ for throat. As per Choate this would be related to the gull’s ‘indiscriminate’ scavenging habits, its ‘willingness to swallow almost anything’ (think ‘gullible’).
Black-billed gulls were seen in Christchurch and Kaikoura on the South Island. They are only found in New Zealand and are now listed as ‘endangered’. In terms of size the black-billed gull is a small member of its family. It has a black bill and black legs.

Black-billed gull. Note the eye color, which is all black. Christchurch Botanic Garden, New Zealand - photo by Denise Motard
Black-billed gull, Christchurch, NZ
Black-billed gull. The legs too are black. Christchurch Botanic Garden, New Zealand - photo by Denise Motard
Black-headed gull has black legs too
Black-billed gull ringed on both legs, rings are different colors – Christchurch Botanic Garden, NZ - photo by Denise Motard
Black-billed gull with bands on both legs
Black-billed gull ringed on both legs – Christchurch Botanic Garden – NZ, photo by Denise Motard
Black-billed gull close up, NZ
Black-billed & red-billed gull colony rock – Kaikoura, NZ, photo by Denise Motard
Black-billed and red-billed gulls colony, NZ
Black-billed & red-billed gull colonies – Kaikoura, NZ, photo by Denise Motard
Black-billed and red-billed gulls colony