Southern Black-backed Gull

Our largest gull, found throughout New Zealand, both coastal and inland - and thankfully it is very abundant and not at all threatened. The upper wings are black making them easy to distinguish from our two other gulls the Black Bills and Red Bills. Maori Name Karoro - ka =the poetic waka (boat) and roro = to be out in front  - something I'm sure we are all familiar with though if you have been fishing they will be flying along with the back of the boat waiting for goodies.  Considered really good luck to have one land on you, and even more luck if you get pooped on !