- Name
- Kelp Gull (Southern Blackbacked Gull)
- Latin Name
- Larus dominicanus
- Family
- Laridae
- Length
- 60 cm
- Habitat
- Singly or in small groups scavenging along coasts, especially harbours; rarely inland.
- Bird Call
- Voice - 'Meeu', a plaintive cry. When disturbed utters a 'kok-kok-kok'.
- Breeding
- Breed on off-shore islands and at Swartklip and Rondevlei during spring and early summer, especially in October. Nests, a scrape in the soil lined with grass, feathers or twigs, containing 2 - 3 eggs varying in colour from light green to turquoise or ochre, with dark markings. Nests are sometimes found on unfrequented cliffs or flats.
- Immature Description
- Immatures initially mottled dark brown all over with paler barred rump (could be mistaken for a skua, but lacking white patches at primary bases); with age become paler, going through mottled brown and white stages with dark brown legs.
- Adult Description
- Adults have dark eyes and whitish-yellow feet.
- Status
- Very common resident.
- Distribution
- Common along the south-western Cape coast, in estuaries and on vleis that are not too far inland.
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