Kelp Gull

Afrikaans name: Kelpmeeu

Photo © Steven Herbert

Larus dominicanus

The Kelp Gull is a very widespread species. It is found over most of the Southern Hemisphere. With it being found over such a wide area it is understandable that it is known by a number of names includind Domincan Gull, Southern Black-backed Gull and Karoro. Some experts believe that the subspecies of Kelp Gull found in South Africa should be separated to a full species and called the Cape Gull.

These birds are scavengers and can be seen at rubbish dumps in some areas. Kelp Gulls also rob food from other birds such as African Penguins and Cape Gannets. They do also eat fresh food such as shellfish.

Kelp Gulls make their nest on beaches or islands. Two or three eggs are laid and are tended to by both parents.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 133

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 183

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 183

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Year Published: - Page: 103

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 107

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 33

Common Birds of the North Coast - Author: Bing Comrie - Year Published: 2005 - Page: 32

Everyone's Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 97

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 138

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 54

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 54

Questions and Answers - Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Year Published: 1990 - Page: 14

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 118

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 198

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 205

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 276

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 272

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 200

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 206

Seabirds - Author: Peter Harrison - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 343

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 78

The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Year Published: 1979 - Page: 20

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Year Published: 2007 - Page: 98

Wild Issue 25 - Author: - Year Published: 2013 - Page: 60

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 96

List of South African Birds