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.
