The common red-billed seagull (Larus novaehollandiae) is one of the most common native sea birds in New Zealand, found throughout the country and also in Australia and South Africa. Gulls are superbly adapted to their coastal environment, soaring effortlessly on the wind and feeding on small fish, crustaceans and worms — and, as they are perhaps better known for, scavenging on dead animal matter. Their scavenging habits, seemingly greedy and opportunistic, play an important role in the cycling of nutrients in coastal ecosystems, ensuring that nothing is left to waste.
Gull colonies can occasionally be found inland, such as in the central North Island where a large colony exists in the Rangipo Desert on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu. By and large, though, gulls are a coastal species and most colonies, ranging from a few to thousands of birds, can be found on rocky headlands, cliffs or offshore islands where they are best protected from predators.
