Red-billed Gull Nests in Otago

Where are red-billed gulls nesting in the Otago region?

Red-billed gulls, Tarapunga, are a threatened species. If we know more about where and how many red-billed gulls are nesting in Otago, we can get a better estimate of their population trend and improve our understanding of why they nest where they do. Although most large breeding colonies persist long-term (e.g. Taiaroa Head), some red-billed gulls change their nesting site from year to year.

In the Otago region, courtship and nest-building begin late September / early October. The nest site is selected by the male but the pair share nest building. The nest is a simple bowl of seaweed, twigs and grass (30 cm across). The first eggs are laid in early to mid-October and are incubated for 3-4 weeks. Although two eggs are laid usually only one chick is raised to fledging. The chicks fledge at 4 weeks of age, throughout December and January. less ↑