Kelp Gull

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 the Kelp Gull utters a 'kok-kok-kok'.

Breeding

Kelp Gull 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

Adult Kelp Gulls have dark eyes and whitish-yellow feet.

Status

Very common resident.

Distribution

Kelp Gull are common along the south-western Cape coast, in estuaries and on vleis that are not too far inland.

Kruger National Park - South African Safari