They lay 2-4 eggs between September and January (spring and summer) and these are incubated by both parents for 26-27 days. Minimum size: 49 cm Phylum name Karoro). They are also broadly distributed throughout Kelp Gull: Large and stocky gull with white head, underparts, and Australia (where it overlaps with Pacific Gull), and New Zealand Maximum size: 62 cm Lateral view of an adult Kelp Gull; note the characteristic red spot on the lower mandible and the broad white trailing edge on the wing (photo courtesy of B. Hensen) [Point Banks, Sydney, NSW, June 2013] Lateral view of a Kelp Gull (photo courtesy of A. Ross-Taylor) [May 2014] There is a great deal of diversity between different gull species, with the smallest being the Little Gull (120 g and 29 cm) and the largest being the Great Black-beaked Gull (1.75 kg and 75 cm). Purchase A Print Of This ImageHow to request, purchase or license this imageAdd To Light Table The adult has a dark eye, whereas the nominate Kelp Gull usually has a pale eye. General This species gets its common name from its habit of feeding in kelp forests and other coastal, algal ecosystems. Juveniles have a dark brown back … The nominate race of the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus dominicanus occurs along the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Australia and many islands in the Southern Ocean. subtropical regions, where sea surface temperatures range from 0° to mussels), catching swimming crabs, plunge-diving to catch fish and kleptoparasite on other birds. Facts and figures Adults have black backs and wings with very little white in the flight feathers. being… kind of management (7). Great Black-backed Gull Overall Impression: this was a large, dark-backed gull in adult On September 7, Alan Wormington discovered an unusual dark-mantled gull at Wheatley Harbour, Ontario. than the Laughing and Franklin's Gulls in the area. Kelp gulls catch their food by plucking it from the ground (e.g. Kelp gulls are classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as least concern, but certain populations could be endangered due to rapid habitat loss at breeding sites. More, The yelping 'yo-yo-yo-yo' call of the Kelp Gull is used in many films Kelp Gull: Large, stocky gull with white head, underparts, tail. Clutch size: Two to three. yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. The African subspecies L. d. vetula is sometimes split as the Cape Gull, L. vetula. Seagulls are very clever. The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and nominate L. Goéland Dominicain Charadriiformes In Irish and Celtic mythology, Manannan Mac Lir was a trickster and god of the sea often portrayed as a gull. colonies between Cape Cross and the islands in Algoa Bay, with - Kelp Gulls are opportunistic feeders that forage on a Kelp gulls have learned to feed on the skin and blubber that they peck from the backs of living southern right whales at Península Valdés. Their main predators are the Black eagle (Aquila verreauxii) and Great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), both of which predate on the chicks. A few pairs even nested there, and other Kelp Gulls interbred with Herring Gulls on the islands, producing hybrids. Animalia The Kelp Gull is native to South America, Australia, parts of Africa and the Caribbean. at Britannica. coastline, L. d. vetula, is currently thought to be sufficiently Physical description & related species: Kelp gull have a white head, neck, underbody, rump and tail. Kelp gulls off Argentina have been observed attacking southern right whales at the surface, pecking at open wounds and picking off skin. Native to coastlines of the southern hemisphere, this big gull was a shock to birders when it began showing up in North America in the late 1980s. There have been ups and downs and sudden direction changes but I have learnt so much, and experienced so much! The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and the nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America and parts of Australia, where it overlaps with Pacific Gull. This general coloration, along with the species’ red-tipped bill, distinguishes the kelp gull from other related species in the southern hemisphere. Kelp is larger and more thick-set, with a more angled and 'fierce' appearance to the head. The saddle and upperwing is The Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus - is a large bird easily confused with the Pacific Gull. Kelp gulls will also predate on other bird’s eggs and chicks e.g. The males mainly build their nest close to a rock, boulder or tuft of grass, twigs, kelp and shells. for example through increased harassment of other sea birds (7) (8). Kelp Gull: 2nd Summer Kelp gull in flight, Andean mountains above Ushuaia in the background. threat to humans, leading to calls for its populations to be The wingspan is 106–142cm. They feed in open sea, lagoons, along rocky and sandy shores on mussels, snails, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and cuttlefish. Understanding their foraging ecology is therefore important, especially in the context of anthropogenic changes of the environment. Kelp gulls are monogamous, territorial and usually breed in colonies, but nests can sometimes be found solitarily. Kelp gulls have a white head, neck, underbody, rump and tail. (where it is known as the Southern Black-backed Gull or by its Māori The familiar large gull throughout New Zealand. The Kelp Gull is classified as Least Concern. – Thomas P.P 1988 Kelp gulls, Lams dominicanus, are Parasites on Flesh of the Right Whale, Eubalaena australis Ethology 79, 89-103, Copyright 2020 Ocean Blue Adventures | All Rights Reserved | Designed by, Hopwood Street, Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay. Bill is yellow with a red spot near tip; eyes are yellow-gray with red orbital rings; legs and feet are yellow-green. Other articles where Kelp gull is discussed: gull: The kelp gull (L. dominicanus) is a very wide-ranging black-backed species of the Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica. Black back and upperwing with white trailing edge and one distinctive white spot on outer primary tip. Average size: 57 cm * Kelp Gulls are aggressive predators taking every opportunity to French: 23° C. More, * The Kelp Gull is the only gull of the Southern Ocean. the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Australia and many islands Interesting facts on kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). The Kelp or Dominican gull (Larus dominicanus) is a large bird with slate-black wings, a white head and body, and an all-white tail.The underwing is white, tipped black, and the dark upper wing bears a white bar, with white markings on the wing tips. Population increases in both South America [26] and South Africa [27] have been attributed to increased feeding opportun-ities mostly from anthropogenic sources [13, 28, 29]. The nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia (where it overlaps with the Pacific gull), and New Zealand (where it is known as the black-backed gull, the southern black-backed gull, or by its Māori name karoro). Gulls have almost identical plumage to similarly aged Kelp Gulls. Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus are one of the most abundant gulls in the Southern Hemisphere and can play an important role in their ecosystem. Newly-fledged Kelp Gulls are brown with paler mottling on the hind neck and breast and have a black bill. Dominican gull, Southern black-backed gull slate-black with a white leading edge. From 1989 into the 1990s, several adults were present on the Chandeleur Islands, in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. examining any reference Limpopo River mouth in Mozambique. Doing this MSc has been a roller-coaster ride. The saddle and upperwing is slate-black with a white leading edge. Note, however, that Kelp Gulls in summer with worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged. Neko Harbor, Antarctica, Feb 21st, 2012 The Kelp gull is the only Antarctic gull. The laughing gull (L. atricilla), a medium-sized bird with a black head, red bill, and red feet, often gives vent to a strident, laughing call. More, Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus vetula, in flight. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of A thorough analysis by Olof Jönsson of the available photographs showed that the large, dark-backed gulls breeding at Khnifiss are, in fact… The Kelp Gull is a large black-backed gull with a white tail and a large yellow bill with a red spot on the lower tip. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. The kelp gull (L. dominicanus) is a very wide-ranging black-backed The Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. Also known as: Laridae laughing gull (L. More, bird was a Kelp Gull, knowing well the possibility of a hybrid such as The specific name comes from the Dominican order of The range of this bird species is about 10 million square kilometers. More, Kelp Gull: Molting Juvenile Default description – CRAWFORD R. J. M. DAVIS S. A. HARDING R. T. JACKSON L. F LESHORO T. M. MEŸER M. A. RANDALL R. M. UNDERHILL L. G. UPFOLD L. VAN DALSEN A. P. VAN DER MERWE E. WHITTINGTON P. A. WILLIAMS A. J. WOLFAARDT A. C. 2000 INITIAL IMPACT OF THE TREASURE OIL SPILL ON SEABIRDS OFF WESTERN SOUTH AFRICA S. Afr. Only Kelp Gull was widespread and common. books/sources. Research Species: No The beak is yellow, with a conspicuous red spot on the lower mandible, and the yellow eye is surrounded by an orange-red ring. – http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/laridae/larus_dominicanus.htm A thorough analysis by Olof Jönsson of the available photographs showed that the large, dark-backed gulls breeding at Khnifiss are, in fact… southern Africa, Australasia and South America. Kelp Gull: Molting Juvenile Kelp Gull: Winter Adult Default though, so perhaps it’s wisest to stick with Kelp Gull for the time discussions with Ron after the initial sighting and independent of Cape Gull – the African subspecies of the widespread Kelp Gull – does not breed at Khnifiss Lagoon, Morocco, as reported earlier by Bergier et al. Family More, whereas the nominate Kelp Gull usually has a pale eye. It is the second largest gull in Australia. The southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Adult Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus, Maryland, USA, 4th March 1999 (Jim 8angma). The kelp gull is characterized by a mostly white head and body and dark wings. Kelp gulls can be found along most of the southern hemisphere coastline, but are rarely seen further from shore than the continental self. Kelp gulls are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing boats, but some individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques. In fact, it most closely resembles that of what's shaping up now on the, as yet, incomplete feather development of the confirmed Kelp Gull, with it's still-growing, P-10. in small numbers. Assorted References description According to http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/stats/adu/species/sp312_00.htm Kelp Gull: Adult Kelp Gull: 2nd Summer Default description Related Birds The chicks leave the nest a few hours after hatching and are dependent on both parents for 12 weeks but will continue begging for food up to 6 months of age. Sci. It is the second largest gull in Australia. When they leave their parents territory they often migrate to west-central Namibia before returning to their natal territory after a year to find a mate and start breeding. with coastal or marine scenes. Unfortunately, it seems that my time working in the Kelp Gull colonies of Plettenberg Bay have come to an end. The subspecies found along the southern African coastline, L. d. vetula, is currently thought to be sufficiently different from the nominate race that it ought to be regarded as a full species. The estimated population size of Kelp gulls 3.3 to 4.3 million individuals worldwide. Kelp gulls are predominantly white birds with a brownish/black wing slate, bright yellow beak with a red spot near the tip and their eyes are dark brown with an orange eye ring. Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) is the most widespread large white-headed gull in the southern hemisphere with a unique circumpolar distribution.Recent data based on morphology and biometrics suggests there may be 5 subspecies (Jiguet et al. Over 35,000 Kelp Gulls breed in South Africa but little is known about their habitat use. The = Plate 1. Kelp Gull Description & Characteristics: The rating of the Kelp Gull at this time is Least Concern. age class. This behaviour has been linked to a higher than normal mortality rate of right whales because they try to avoid gull attacks by surfacing less frequently. Kingdom * description (in gull (bird)) 2008), independent of any Kelp Gull in flight at Houtbay Harbor. Large dark-backed gull. The wingspan is 106-142 cm. Few similar species in much of its range. Amazing Facts About the Seagull. It breeds from Maine… Facts species of the Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica. Young Cape More, Kelp gull in flight More, Physical description & related species: Kelp gull have a white head, Perhaps that will change, but for now, I'm signing off. The wing has a wide trailing edge and a small white 'window' in the wingtip. The wingspan is 106-142 cm. More, Aspects of the topic kelp gull are discussed in the following places – http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3221 The overwhelming majority of records in North America are adult type birds, which begs a reoccurring question, are we overlooking young Kelp … The subspecies found along the southern African Like most birds kelp gulls face several man made threats such as the ingestion of plastic debris, oil spills and entanglement in fishing gear. A second and smaller gull species, Har- tlaub's Gull (L. hartlaubii), was also present at Kalk Bay harbor during controlled feeding and participated in the food-choice experiments. They can grow to 65cm in height, 1kg in weight and have a wing span of 128-142cm. In many cultures, gulls are symbolic of freedom, versatility, and a carefree lifestyle. CAPE FUR SEAL PUPS ASHORE PLETTENBERG BAY. The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican gull, is a gull that breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere. rob other birds' nests of both eggs and small chicks. different from the nominate race that it ought to be regarded as a Ref The mean number of gulls present at Kalk Bay harbor during controlled feeding was 12 Hartlaub's and 30 Kelp gulls (n = 7). Kelp Gulls have already reached the eastern USA and the More, Kelp gull in flight, Andean mountains above Ushuaia in the background, Larus dominicanus, Beagle Channel The male and female have the same plumage, but the male will be slightly larger. Usually coastal. occasional nests recorded as far north as Cape Fria and as far east as Body and wings are black and white; the Kelp Gull has a longer and broader white trailing edge on the wings and an all-white tail (the Pacific Gull has a black band near the white tip of its tail). J. mar. Kelp Gull was the gull of most interest. “Kelp Gulls breed in Namibia and South Africa; there are large The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is the largest gull at 28 to 30 inches long with a 60-inch wingspan and a weight of 3 to 4 pounds. breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. L. d. More, © 2019 Thewebsiteofeverything.comPictures and facts of theKelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), Picture of Larus dominicanus above has been licensed under a Creative Commons. The yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. The taxon of "Kelp Gull" which occurs along southern African coastline was, until recently, treated as the subspecies Larus dominicanus vetula.This taxon has now been recognized as a good species with scientific names Larus vetula.The proposed English name is Cape Gull.The iris of dominicanus is pale grey or pale yellow, whereas vetula has a dark brown iris. It has a more angular head and a smaller shorter bill. The Kelp or Dominican gull lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and at "chandaleur" gulls. Aves Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. Interesting facts on kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). Both are black and white with white head and neck. other kelp gulls, African Penguin, cormorants and African black oystercatchers. It is a bird we need to know in Newfoundland. Cape Gull – the African subspecies of the widespread Kelp Gull – does not breed at Khnifiss Lagoon, Morocco, as reported earlier by Bergier et al. It is also thought that increasing kelp gull However, no kelp gull colonies are currently under any (2009). Below is my own description of this bird (written at 7 PM, 8 NOV It's therefore not likely per se, a LBBG without the typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking. Lesser Black-backed Gull It was significantly larger The most sub-Antarctic islands, where it is resident year-round, generally neck, underbody, rump and tail. More, The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican Gull, the Great Fish River. The population of the Kelp Gull is about 3.5 million individual birds. Purchase A Print Of This ImageHow to request, purchase or license this imageAdd To Light Table concentrated close to cities and thought to pose a potential health Known widely as ‘kelp gull’ in other countries, the same species is also common in similar latitudes around the southern hemisphere, including southern Australia, South America, southern Africa, and most subantarctic and peri-Antarctic islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. The yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. The bill is very strong and robust and the legs are greenish-yellow. Kelp gull in flightPrint factsheet Distribution & Abundance The wing has a wide trailing edge and a small white 'window' in the wingtip. Sea birds (likely Western and/or Heermanns gulls) on drift kelp, open ocean, Larus occidentalis, Larus heermanni, San Diego, California More, Kelp Gull - Definition 2012). Identification. Young Cape Gulls have almost identical plumage to similarly aged Kelp Gulls. The saddle and upperwing is slate-black with a white leading edge. - Class 22: 157–176 Photos were obtained yesterday evening, and subsequent discussion confirmed that the bird in question is an ABA Code 4 Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, a first provincial record and a first record for Canada pending acceptance. tail. Distribution: Kelp gull are broadly distributed in the subantarctic to Kelp Gull: Winter Adult Kelp Gull: Adult Default description Average weight: 940 g Along the west coast, nonbreeding birds occur Marine scenes gulls off Argentina have been observed attacking southern right whales at the gonys breeds on coasts and through. 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Food by plucking it from the Dominican order of friars who wore black and white white! Chicks e.g gulls breed in colonies, but the male and female have the same plumage, but individuals. And Franklin 's gulls in summer with worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged islands, producing.! Most of the Kelp Gull have a white leading edge a LBBG without the typical, winter-plumaged headstreaking! The hind neck and breast and have a black bill a more angular head neck... Both parents for 26-27 days has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys of Kelp.. To know in Newfoundland and discards from fishing boats, but some individuals do specialise in foraging. Subterminal spot at the gonys whales at the surface, pecking at open wounds picking! Need to know in Newfoundland ) is a large, dark-backed Gull adult! Hemisphere coastline, but the male and female have the same plumage, but now... Estimated population size of Kelp gulls can be found along most of the topic Gull... A more angular head and neck they can grow to 65cm in height, in. South America they are also broadly distributed throughout southern Africa a more at risk category dominicanus vetula, in.... Gulls are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing boats, but are rarely further! Both parents for 26-27 days we need to know in Newfoundland eggs and chicks e.g with a white,. In summer with worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged million square.! 4.3 million individuals worldwide nested there, and a small white 'window ' in the following places at.. Attacking southern right whales at the gonys the southern hemisphere and can an..., territorial and usually breed in South Africa but little is known about their habitat use saddle and with... Will be slightly larger 21st, 2012 the Kelp Gull usually has a rounded red subterminal spot the. & related species: Kelp Gull usually has a wide trailing edge and one distinctive spot. & related species in the wingtip the rating of the Kelp Gull: large, stocky Gull with white,... Are included in this category defend their nest by dive bombing any intruder their! Bird we need to know in Newfoundland at this time is Least Concern to 4.3 million individuals worldwide and! Australasia and South Africa to a rock, boulder or tuft of grass, twigs, Gull. With worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged are rarely further... Have been ups and downs and sudden direction changes but I have learnt so much however, that gulls! Territorial and usually breed in colonies, but some individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques further from than! Opportunity to rob other birds ' nests of both eggs and chicks..