From Opus

Larus dominicanus

Photo by luisrock62
Photo taken: Baha Blanca, Argentina

Photo by Gary Clark
Location: Ohope Beach, New Zealand

[edit] Identification

Black upperparts and wings. White head, underparts, tail, wing tips. Yellow bill with a red spot which is swollen in the tip, green legs, dark eye.

[edit] Hybridization

Hybridization of Kelp Gull with Herring Gull (producing a bird known as Chandeleur Gull) have been discussed in a thread in the Id forum.

[edit] Distribution

Southern Hemisphere, accidental further north.

[edit] Taxonomy

Five subspecies are recognized.

• L. d. dominicanus in South America, Australasia, and Antarctica
• L. d. vetula in southern Africa
• L. d. austrinus in Antarctica
• L. d. judithae
• L. d. melisandae in Madagascar

[edit] Habitat

Coasts

[edit] Behaviour

The nest is made in a shallow depression on the ground lined with vegetation and feathers. 2 or 3 eggs are laid. Both parents feed the young birds.

[edit] External Links

• View more images of this species on the ABID