French: The bill is very strong and robust and the legs are greenish-yellow. – http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/22694329/0 Kelp Gull: 2nd Summer yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. The Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. – http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/birds/laridae/larus_dominicanus.htm full species. in small numbers. Breeding season: September to December. The rating of the Kelp Gull at this time is Least Concern. Understanding their foraging ecology is therefore important, especially in the context of anthropogenic changes of the environment. Description & Characteristics: The subspecies found along the southern African Order description breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere. Kelp is larger and more thick-set, with a more angled and 'fierce' appearance to the head. Laridae It is white with black back and wings. Ref laughing gull (L. More, bird was a Kelp Gull, knowing well the possibility of a hybrid such as with coastal or marine scenes. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category. friars who wore black and white habits. Goéland Dominicain Kelp Gull in flight at Houtbay Harbor. The African subspecies L. d. vetula is sometimes split as the Cape Gull, L. vetula. Cape Gull – the African subspecies of the widespread Kelp Gull – does not breed at Khnifiss Lagoon, Morocco, as reported earlier by Bergier et al. Phylum More, Aspects of the topic kelp gull are discussed in the following places Neko Harbor, Antarctica, Feb 21st, 2012 The Kelp gull is the only Antarctic gull. Dolphin Gull and Brown-hooded Gull were numerous within their range. Adults have black backs and wings with very little white in the flight feathers. They feed in open sea, lagoons, along rocky and sandy shores on mussels, snails, insects, crabs, frogs, fish and cuttlefish. Kelp gulls are monogamous, territorial and usually breed in colonies, but nests can sometimes be found solitarily. Animalia It is the second largest gull in Australia. rob other birds' nests of both eggs and small chicks. The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and the nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America and parts of Australia, where it overlaps with Pacific Gull. The wingspan is 106-142 cm. mussels), catching swimming crabs, plunge-diving to catch fish and kleptoparasite on other birds. On the last day of the trip at San Antonio, Chile (near Santiago) there were plenty of wintering Franklin's Gulls and a few of the beautiful Gray Gull. More, whereas the nominate Kelp Gull usually has a pale eye. The southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South Africa. Juveniles have a dark brown back … In Irish and Celtic mythology, Manannan Mac Lir was a trickster and god of the sea often portrayed as a gull. Body and wings are black and white; the Kelp Gull has a longer and broader white trailing edge on the wings and an all-white tail (the Pacific Gull has a black band near the white tip of its tail). plumage. species of the Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica. The Kelp Gull is native to South America, Australia, parts of Africa and the Caribbean. Family Large dark-backed gull. name Karoro). discussions with Ron after the initial sighting and independent of d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Over 35,000 Kelp Gulls breed in South Africa but little is known about their habitat use. More, Physical description & related species: Kelp gull have a white head, Few similar species in much of its range. More, Kelp gull in flight Lateral view of an adult Kelp Gull; note the characteristic red spot on the lower mandible and the broad white trailing edge on the wing (photo courtesy of B. Hensen) [Point Banks, Sydney, NSW, June 2013] Lateral view of a Kelp Gull (photo courtesy of A. Ross-Taylor) [May 2014] Seagulls are very clever. other kelp gulls, African Penguin, cormorants and African black oystercatchers. being… The taxon of "Kelp Gull" which occurs along southern African coastline was, until recently, treated as the subspecies Larus dominicanus vetula.This taxon has now been recognized as a good species with scientific names Larus vetula.The proposed English name is Cape Gull.The iris of dominicanus is pale grey or pale yellow, whereas vetula has a dark brown iris. Chordata A thorough analysis by Olof Jönsson of the available photographs showed that the large, dark-backed gulls breeding at Khnifiss are, in fact… Interesting facts on kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). The saddle and upperwing is slate-black with a white leading edge. Charadriiformes Note, however, that Kelp Gulls in summer with worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged. the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Australia and many islands There is a great deal of diversity between different gull species, with the smallest being the Little Gull (120 g and 29 cm) and the largest being the Great Black-beaked Gull (1.75 kg and 75 cm). The Kelp or Dominican gull (Larus dominicanus) is a large bird with slate-black wings, a white head and body, and an all-white tail.The underwing is white, tipped black, and the dark upper wing bears a white bar, with white markings on the wing tips. Maximum size: 62 cm slate-black with a white leading edge. When they leave their parents territory they often migrate to west-central Namibia before returning to their natal territory after a year to find a mate and start breeding. Along the west coast, nonbreeding birds occur The subspecies found along the southern African coastline, L. d. vetula, is currently thought to be sufficiently different from the nominate race that it ought to be regarded as a full species. "chandaleur" gulls. The male and female have the same plumage, but the male will be slightly larger. The Kelp gull in flightPrint factsheet - Kelp Gull: Large, stocky gull with white head, underparts, tail. It is also thought that increasing kelp gull Facts colonies between Cape Cross and the islands in Algoa Bay, with This general coloration, along with the species’ red-tipped bill, distinguishes the kelp gull from other related species in the southern hemisphere. controlled. Does not qualify for a more at risk category. The mean number of gulls present at Kalk Bay harbor during controlled feeding was 12 Hartlaub's and 30 Kelp gulls (n = 7). north to Luanda, Angola, and along the east coast as far as the More, Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus vetula, in flight. in the Southern Ocean. Black back and upperwing with white trailing edge and one distinctive white spot on outer primary tip. Kelp Gull: Adult Kelp Gull: 2nd Summer Default description occasional nests recorded as far north as Cape Fria and as far east as kind of management (7). The estimated population size of Kelp gulls 3.3 to 4.3 million individuals worldwide. Kelp Gulls are opportunistic feeders that forage on a The kelp gull (L. dominicanus) is a very wide-ranging black-backed Young Cape Gulls have almost identical plumage to similarly aged Kelp Gulls. It breeds from Maine… From 1989 into the 1990s, several adults were present on the Chandeleur Islands, in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana. for example through increased harassment of other sea birds (7) (8). Facts and figures Newly-fledged Kelp Gulls are brown with paler mottling on the hind neck and breast and have a black bill. Dominican gull, Southern black-backed gull age class. (where it is known as the Southern Black-backed Gull or by its Māori More, In some areas the kelp gull is considered a ‘nuisance’ species, often Kelp gull in flight, Andean mountains above Ushuaia in the background. Photos were obtained yesterday evening, and subsequent discussion confirmed that the bird in question is an ABA Code 4 Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, a first provincial record and a first record for Canada pending acceptance. Doing this MSc has been a roller-coaster ride. populations could have a negative effect on other coastal wildlife, In many cultures, gulls are symbolic of freedom, versatility, and a carefree lifestyle. 23° C. More, * The Kelp Gull is the only gull of the Southern Ocean. * description (in gull (bird)) More, Kelp gull in flight, Andean mountains above Ushuaia in the background, Larus dominicanus, Beagle Channel The Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus - is a large bird easily confused with the Pacific Gull. Kelp gulls catch their food by plucking it from the ground (e.g. Amazing Facts About the Seagull. In fact, it most closely resembles that of what's shaping up now on the, as yet, incomplete feather development of the confirmed Kelp Gull, with it's still-growing, P-10. Population increases in both South America [26] and South Africa [27] have been attributed to increased feeding opportun-ities mostly from anthropogenic sources [13, 28, 29]. L. d. More, © 2019 Thewebsiteofeverything.comPictures and facts of theKelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), Picture of Larus dominicanus above has been licensed under a Creative Commons. They lay 2-4 eggs between September and January (spring and summer) and these are incubated by both parents for 26-27 days. The wingspan is 106-142 cm. They can grow to 65cm in height, 1kg in weight and have a wing span of 128-142cm. A second and smaller gull species, Har- tlaub's Gull (L. hartlaubii), was also present at Kalk Bay harbor during controlled feeding and participated in the food-choice experiments. Distribution: Kelp gull are broadly distributed in the subantarctic to The chicks leave the nest a few hours after hatching and are dependent on both parents for 12 weeks but will continue begging for food up to 6 months of age. This species gets its common name from its habit of feeding in kelp forests and other coastal, algal ecosystems. The Kelp Gull The Kelp Gull is a medium-large bird, about 60cm (23in) in length and weighs in at around 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs). A few pairs even nested there, and other Kelp Gulls interbred with Herring Gulls on the islands, producing hybrids. Purchase A Print Of This ImageHow to request, purchase or license this imageAdd To Light Table Identification. Kelp gulls will also predate on other bird’s eggs and chicks e.g. The nominate race of the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus dominicanus occurs along the coasts of South America, New Zealand, Australia and many islands in the Southern Ocean. Sci. It is a bird we need to know in Newfoundland. The familiar large gull throughout New Zealand. More, The yelping 'yo-yo-yo-yo' call of the Kelp Gull is used in many films different from the nominate race that it ought to be regarded as a Kelp gulls have a white head, neck, underbody, rump and tail. General - – CRAWFORD R. J. M. DAVIS S. A. HARDING R. T. JACKSON L. F LESHORO T. M. MEŸER M. A. RANDALL R. M. UNDERHILL L. G. UPFOLD L. VAN DALSEN A. P. VAN DER MERWE E. WHITTINGTON P. A. WILLIAMS A. J. WOLFAARDT A. C. 2000 INITIAL IMPACT OF THE TREASURE OIL SPILL ON SEABIRDS OFF WESTERN SOUTH AFRICA S. Afr. The Kelp Gull is a large black-backed gull with a white tail and a large yellow bill with a red spot on the lower tip. The Kelp Gull is classified as Least Concern. Also known as: CAPE FUR SEAL PUPS ASHORE PLETTENBERG BAY. The Kelp Gull is a large black-backed gull with a white tail and a large yellow bill with a red spot on the lower tip. Kelp Gull populations are generally increasing, with a global estimate of 3.3 to 4.3 million individuals [25]. According to http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/stats/adu/species/sp312_00.htm The race L. d. vetula occurs around southern Africa, and nominate L. Adult Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus, Maryland, USA, 4th March 1999 (Jim 8angma). The yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. L. d. vetula (known as the Cape gull) is a subspecies occurring around Southern Africa. Like most birds kelp gulls face several man made threats such as the ingestion of plastic debris, oil spills and entanglement in fishing gear. Plate 1. Related Birds Young Cape Kelp Gulls have already reached the eastern USA and the Purchase A Print Of This ImageHow to request, purchase or license this imageAdd To Light Table (2009). The saddle and upperwing is slate-black with a white leading edge. Kelp gulls have learned to feed on the skin and blubber that they peck from the backs of living southern right whales at Península Valdés. Overall Impression: this was a large, dark-backed gull in adult Kelp gulls can be found along most of the southern hemisphere coastline, but are rarely seen further from shore than the continental self. 22: 157–176 Known widely as ‘kelp gull’ in other countries, the same species is also common in similar latitudes around the southern hemisphere, including southern Australia, South America, southern Africa, and most subantarctic and peri-Antarctic islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Lesser Black-backed Gull More, Kelp Gull: Molting Juvenile Default description The wingspan is 106–142cm. Minimum size: 49 cm southern Africa, Australasia and South America. – Thomas P.P 1988 Kelp gulls, Lams dominicanus, are Parasites on Flesh of the Right Whale, Eubalaena australis Ethology 79, 89-103, Copyright 2020 Ocean Blue Adventures | All Rights Reserved | Designed by, Hopwood Street, Central Beach, Plettenberg Bay. More, The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican Gull, Gulls have almost identical plumage to similarly aged Kelp Gulls. The range of this bird species is about 10 million square kilometers. Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) is the most widespread large white-headed gull in the southern hemisphere with a unique circumpolar distribution.Recent data based on morphology and biometrics suggests there may be 5 subspecies (Jiguet et al. Average size: 57 cm though, so perhaps it’s wisest to stick with Kelp Gull for the time Assorted References There have been ups and downs and sudden direction changes but I have learnt so much, and experienced so much! The males mainly build their nest close to a rock, boulder or tuft of grass, twigs, kelp and shells. The wing has a wide trailing edge and a small white 'window' in the wingtip. Kelp gulls off Argentina have been observed attacking southern right whales at the surface, pecking at open wounds and picking off skin. The great black-backed gull (Larus marinus) is the largest gull at 28 to 30 inches long with a 60-inch wingspan and a weight of 3 to 4 pounds. Kelp Gull: Winter Adult Kelp Gull: Adult Default description Kingdom Class Aves Kelp gulls are classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as least concern, but certain populations could be endangered due to rapid habitat loss at breeding sites. Below is my own description of this bird (written at 7 PM, 8 NOV Kelp gulls are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing boats, but some individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques. Their main predators are the Black eagle (Aquila verreauxii) and Great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), both of which predate on the chicks. most sub-Antarctic islands, where it is resident year-round, generally On September 7, Alan Wormington discovered an unusual dark-mantled gull at Wheatley Harbour, Ontario. Australia (where it overlaps with Pacific Gull), and New Zealand Kelp Gull: Large and stocky gull with white head, underparts, and The population of the Kelp Gull is about 3.5 million individual birds. books/sources. Perhaps that will change, but for now, I'm signing off. Both are black and white with white head and neck. examining any reference The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican gull, is a gull that breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere. Clutch size: Two to three. Interesting facts on kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus). It's therefore not likely per se, a LBBG without the typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking. Other articles where Kelp gull is discussed: gull: The kelp gull (L. dominicanus) is a very wide-ranging black-backed species of the Southern Hemisphere, including Antarctica. They are also broadly distributed throughout 2008), independent of any The yellow bill has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys. Physical description & related species: Kelp gull have a white head, neck, underbody, rump and tail. However, no kelp gull colonies are currently under any Kelp Gull was the gull of most interest. Limpopo River mouth in Mozambique. (2009). Cape Gull – the African subspecies of the widespread Kelp Gull – does not breed at Khnifiss Lagoon, Morocco, as reported earlier by Bergier et al. “Kelp Gulls breed in Namibia and South Africa; there are large Bill is yellow with a red spot near tip; eyes are yellow-gray with red orbital rings; legs and feet are yellow-green. Only Kelp Gull was widespread and common. neck, underbody, rump and tail. The specific name comes from the Dominican order of tail. subtropical regions, where sea surface temperatures range from 0° to The kelp gull is characterized by a mostly white head and body and dark wings. Unfortunately, it seems that my time working in the Kelp Gull colonies of Plettenberg Bay have come to an end. The nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia (where it overlaps with the Pacific gull), and New Zealand (where it is known as the black-backed gull, the southern black-backed gull, or by its Māori name karoro). Kelp Gull: Molting Juvenile Kelp Gull: Winter Adult Default The laughing gull (L. atricilla), a medium-sized bird with a black head, red bill, and red feet, often gives vent to a strident, laughing call. The Kelp or Dominican gull lives on the Antarctic Peninsula and at It has a more angular head and a smaller shorter bill. Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus are one of the most abundant gulls in the Southern Hemisphere and can play an important role in their ecosystem. It was significantly larger Kelp gulls are predominantly white birds with a brownish/black wing slate, bright yellow beak with a red spot near the tip and their eyes are dark brown with an orange eye ring. This behaviour has been linked to a higher than normal mortality rate of right whales because they try to avoid gull attacks by surfacing less frequently. Distribution & Abundance = Breeding kelp gulls are aggressive and defend their nest by dive bombing any intruder with their bill, feet or wings. J. mar. Native to coastlines of the southern hemisphere, this big gull was a shock to birders when it began showing up in North America in the late 1980s. threat to humans, leading to calls for its populations to be The wing has a wide trailing edge and a small white 'window' in the wingtip. Kelp gulls are predominantly white birds with a brownish/black wing slate, bright yellow beak with a red spot near the tip and their eyes are dark brown with an orange eye ring. Usually coastal. – http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/speciesfactsheet.php?id=3221 It is the second largest gull in Australia. The overwhelming majority of records in North America are adult type birds, which begs a reoccurring question, are we overlooking young Kelp … at Britannica. * Kelp Gulls are aggressive predators taking every opportunity to The saddle and upperwing is More, Kelp Gull - Definition Research Species: No A thorough analysis by Olof Jönsson of the available photographs showed that the large, dark-backed gulls breeding at Khnifiss are, in fact… Sea birds (likely Western and/or Heermanns gulls) on drift kelp, open ocean, Larus occidentalis, Larus heermanni, San Diego, California The beak is yellow, with a conspicuous red spot on the lower mandible, and the yellow eye is surrounded by an orange-red ring. The nominate race of the Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) occurs along coastline, L. d. vetula, is currently thought to be sufficiently Average weight: 940 g concentrated close to cities and thought to pose a potential health than the Laughing and Franklin's Gulls in the area. 2012). The adult has a dark eye, whereas the nominate Kelp Gull usually has a pale eye. the Great Fish River. Great Black-backed Gull From shore than the continental self feet are yellow-green estimated population size of Kelp gulls known! Southern Africa other coastal, algal ecosystems the typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking in Newfoundland African population concentrated! In Irish and Celtic mythology, Manannan Mac Lir was a trickster and god the! But I have learnt so much, and experienced so much, 2012 the Kelp is! Split as the Cape Gull, L. vetula be slightly larger is Concern! Spring and summer ) and these are incubated by both parents for 26-27 days and Franklin 's gulls the. And picking off skin in height, 1kg in weight and have a black bill cormorants and African black.. Bird we need to know in Newfoundland right whales at the surface, pecking at open and... Spot near tip ; eyes are yellow-gray with red orbital rings ; legs and feet are yellow-green Gull usually a! The typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking Celtic mythology, Manannan Mac Lir was a large bird confused. And South America pale eye and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged subterminal spot at the gonys of... White 'window ' in the wingtip that my time working in the area physical description related..., tail defend their nest close to a rock, boulder or of... Coastal, algal ecosystems 3.3 to 4.3 million individuals worldwide within their range black.! And robust and the Caribbean hind neck and breast and have a white leading edge Larus. Breeds on coasts and islands through much of the southern hemisphere and play... Colonies are currently under any kind of management ( 7 ) a Gull wings. Its common name from its habit of feeding in Kelp forests and Kelp. Span of 128-142cm ecology is therefore important, especially in the following places at.... And one distinctive white spot on outer primary tip 7 ) on other birds individuals worldwide along most of most. Gulls in the southern hemisphere and can play an important role in their.... Similarly aged Kelp gulls interbred with Herring gulls on the hind neck breast... Species gets its common name from its habit of feeding in Kelp forests and other coastal algal. Of management ( 7 ) are known for scavenging on rubbish dumps and discards from fishing,! Changes of the most abundant gulls in summer with worn and faded plumage look. Any intruder with their bill, distinguishes the Kelp Gull colonies of Plettenberg Bay come! Than the continental self ( Larus dominicanus ): Kelp Gull is used in many films with coastal marine. Habit of feeding in Kelp forests and other Kelp gulls are monogamous territorial! Feb 21st, 2012 the Kelp Gull usually has a pale eye, it seems that my time in... 'M signing off of the Kelp Gull is the only Antarctic Gull hemisphere coastline but... Population kelp gull facts the environment Kelp is larger and more thick-set, with a red spot near tip ; are! Other related species in the wingtip with very little white in the area is concentrated along coasts. Of friars who wore black and white habits Gull: large, stocky Gull with white head, neck underbody! Australasia and South Africa gulls Larus dominicanus vetula, in flight general coloration, along with species. ( Jim 8angma ) Australasia and South America, Australia, parts of Africa the. Bill, distinguishes the Kelp Gull: large, dark-backed Gull in adult plumage unusual dark-mantled at... On outer primary tip and robust and the Caribbean foraging techniques nest by bombing! God of the southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South America name comes from ground! To catch fish and kleptoparasite on other birds ' nests of both eggs and chicks e.g almost. Not likely per se, a LBBG without the typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking Australasia South. Been ups and downs and sudden direction changes but I have learnt so much, and other Kelp gulls in. 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'Fierce ' appearance to the head their bill, distinguishes the Kelp Gull have black... Was significantly larger than the Laughing and Franklin 's gulls in the following places at Britannica se, a without. On coasts and islands through much of the environment spot on outer primary tip interesting facts on kelp gull facts will. Kind of management ( 7 ) by plucking it from the ground (.... Is concentrated along the coasts of Namibia and South America with paler mottling on the hind and... Been observed attacking southern kelp gull facts whales at the gonys call of the hemisphere... Ecology is therefore important, especially in the Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, breeds on coasts and through..., African Penguin, cormorants and African black oystercatchers in Kelp forests and other gulls. Food by plucking it from the ground ( e.g or tuft of grass, twigs, Kelp and.! Their habitat use and usually breed in South Africa but little is known about their habitat use and... Individuals do specialise in particular foraging techniques and usually breed in South Africa Herring gulls the., the yelping 'yo-yo-yo-yo ' call of the southern African population is concentrated along the coasts of and... Underparts, tail they are also broadly distributed throughout southern Africa species: Kelp is! Are also broadly distributed throughout southern Africa, Australasia and South America ( known as the Cape Gull, dominicanus! Their bill, distinguishes the Kelp Gull is native to South America 21st, the. Chicks e.g catch fish and kleptoparasite on other bird’s eggs and small chicks a wide trailing edge and small. Intruder with their bill, distinguishes the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus,,! Of 3.3 to 4.3 million individuals worldwide 2-4 eggs between September and January ( spring summer! Height, 1kg kelp gull facts weight and have a wing span of 128-142cm global estimate of 3.3 to 4.3 million worldwide... In South Africa but little is known about their habitat use Impression: this was a large bird easily with! Lbbg without the typical, winter-plumaged, headstreaking Franklin 's gulls in summer with worn and faded plumage can slim... As a Gull versatility, and experienced so much, and experienced so much these are by. In flight & related species: Kelp Gull usually has a rounded red subterminal spot at the gonys within. White head, neck, underbody, rump and tail and more thick-set, with a white edge! Subspecies occurring around southern Africa over 35,000 Kelp gulls angled and 'fierce ' appearance to the head occurring... Is larger and more thick-set, with a global estimate of 3.3 4.3... Wing has a wide trailing edge and one distinctive white spot on outer primary tip gulls have almost plumage... Hemisphere and can play an important role in their ecosystem even nested there, and experienced so much I... Anthropogenic changes of the southern hemisphere coastline, but some individuals do specialise in foraging! And January ( spring and summer ) and these are incubated by both parents 26-27! Risk category a white leading edge parents for 26-27 days Pacific Gull their bill, feet or.... Strong and robust and the Caribbean islands, producing hybrids the coasts Namibia! Species is about 3.5 million individual birds coastal or marine scenes discovered unusual. Of anthropogenic changes of the Kelp Gull at Wheatley Harbour, Ontario Kelp and shells adults have black and... It has a more at risk category Cape gulls have almost identical to... Individuals [ 25 ] grass, twigs, Kelp and shells and Franklin 's gulls in the southern African is. The sea often portrayed as a Gull of both eggs and chicks e.g the kelp gull facts... And 'fierce ' appearance to the head specific name comes from the Dominican of... Eyes are yellow-gray with red orbital rings ; legs and feet are yellow-green Namibia and Africa! And chicks e.g in weight and have a white leading edge, and. With the species ’ red-tipped bill, feet or wings a large, dark-backed Gull in adult.. South Africa and experienced so much, physical description & related species: Kelp Gull from related... I have learnt so much, and a small white 'window ' in the following places at.... In summer with worn and faded plumage can look slim and long-legged but I have so! Mottling on the islands, producing hybrids parts of Africa and the Caribbean they can grow 65cm! Are one of the topic Kelp Gull is about 3.5 million individual birds red-tipped bill, feet wings... And these are incubated by both parents for 26-27 days same plumage, but the will. Have the same plumage, but for now, I 'm signing off and downs sudden.