Kelp Gull

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Kelp Gull
Conservation status
Least concern (LC)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae Genus: Larus Species: L. dominicanus
Binomial name
Larus dominicanus (Lichtenstein, 1823)

[edit] Introduction

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 the nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America and parts of Australia, where it overlaps with Pacific Gull. 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.

[edit] Description

Adults have 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. These are omnivores like most Larus gulls, and they will scavenge as well as seeking suitable small prey.

[edit] Gallery

Larus Dominicanus, photograph taken at Con Con, Chile

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

[edit] References

• BirdLife International (2004). Larus dominicanus. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

• Seabirds by Harrison, ISBN 0-7470-1410-8