Larus dominicanus vetula
One of the most familiar seabirds in South Africa, Kelp Gulls inhabit a wide range of habitats along or near the coast, including harbours, bays, lagoons, estuaries, dams, lakes, rivers, streams and rocky and sandy beaches. They’ll also scavenge in large numbers at dump sites, food factories, abattoirs and sewerage works and have been recorded following fishing trawlers up to a 100km from the coast. Their natural diet is composed of marine invertebrates, fish, the chicks and eggs of other birds, small vertebrates, and carrion.
Adult Kelp Gulls have a wingspan of up to 1.4m, and weigh around 1kg.
Kelp Gulls are a gregarious species, occurring in large flocks throughout the year and breeding colonially during the southern spring and summer. Nesting colonies are usually located in hard to reach places, such as cliffs, rocky islands, exposed reefs, sandbanks and even on top of shipwrecks or buildings, where the bulky nest consists of dried plants, seaweed. twigs, shells, feathers and small stones. They’re very protective of their nests and will dive-bomb and defecate on any perceived threat, including humans. Pairs are monogamous and usually stay together through several breeding seasons. Clutches are usually made up of 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for about 4 weeks by both parents. Kelp Gull chicks fledge when they’re about two months old but stay with their parents for up to 6 months. They reach adulthood at between 3 and 4 years of age.
With an expanding population estimated at as many as 4,3-million, and a distribution range that spans much of the southern hemisphere, the IUCN considers the Kelp Gull of least concern. The race occurring in South Africa, also known as the Cape Gull, is considered to be a seperate species by some authorities and numbers at least 20,000 breeding pairs. They occur along the entire South African coastline and adjacent interior, though in lower densities along the coastline of Kwazulu-Natal than in the Eastern, Western and Northern Cape.
“Will dive-bomb and defecate on any perceived threat …” hehehe – that is one very unique talent 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
And very effective, I can attest…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Am I correct in wondering if Kelp Gulls were once called Southern Black Backed Gulls?
LikeLike
You are correct, AJ, though that name seems not to have been used since the 1980’s – the oldest of my field guides was printed in 1985 and that already used “Kelp Gull” for this species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mooi foto’s soos gewoonlik
LikeLike
Baie dankie, Tina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I like the sunset shot, too, and the one of the chick stretching its wings. Have a great weekend.
janet
LikeLike
And to you, thank you very much, Janet!
LikeLike
I really like the sunset shot.
LikeLike
Thank you very much, P J B!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nice pictures of the gull.😊 You have good knowledge of birds. We have several species of gulls here in Sweden, but I always find it hard to distinguish them, even with bird books and the web. I usually ask in a bird group on Facebook.😂😂😂
LikeLike
I also like following several bird-focused facebook groups, John, mostly because the folks there are so passionate about helping us to learn the “tricks of the trade”!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi guys. These gulls are present along the KZN coast away from Durban. They are very regal looking birds and always look cool and clean, it is hard to imagine them rummaging around in refuse sights!
LikeLike
They certainly have adapted well to having humans and our industries (and waste) around, Kim. But I agree, they look far too dashing in their white-and-black outfits to be going through the trash for their dinner. 😀
LikeLike