The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia (where it overlaps with Pacific Gull), and New Zealand (where it is known as the Southern Black-backed Gull or by its M?ori name Karoro). The species specific part of the binomial name comes from the Dominican order of friars who wore black and white habits. It is the southern equivalent of the northern hemisphere's Lesser Black-backed Gull and is similar in size to that species at 56cm with an 128cm wingspan. This is a mainly coastal gull. The nest is a shallow depression on the ground lined with vegetation and feathers. The female usually lays 2 or 3 eggs. Both parents feed the young birds.

The African subspecies L. d. vetula is sometimes split as Cape Gull, L. vetula. It has a more angular head and a smaller shorter bill. The adult has a dark eye, whereas the nominate Kelp Gull has a pale eye. Young Cape Gulls have almost identical plumage to similarly aged Kelp Gulls.

Description

The adult Kelp Gull has black upperparts and wings. The head, underparts, tail and the small "mirrors" at the wing tips are white. The bill is yellow with a red spot, and the legs are greenish. The call is a strident ki-och. Young birds have scaly black-brown upperparts, and a neat wing pattern. They take four years to reach maturity. Kelp Gulls are omnivores like most Larus gulls, and they will scavenge as well as seeking suitable small prey.

Gallery

Larus dominicanus, photograph taken at Concón, Chile

Chicks peck at red spot on mothers beak to stimulate regurgitating reflex

Kelp Gull in Big Sur