Bird of the Month: Kelp Gull
The Kelp Gull is a large gull species inhabiting coastal areas of the southern hemisphere, including south-eastern Australia. Although being far less abundant in the Illawarra than their counterpart, the Silver Gull, Kelp Gulls can still be...
The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) is a large gull species inhabiting coastal areas of the southern hemisphere, including south-eastern Australia. Although being far less abundant in the Illawarra than their counterpart, the Silver Gull, Kelp Gulls can still be frequently seen around rock platforms and lagoon outlets on our local beaches, particularly between Wombarra beach and Red Point in Port Kembla.
Kelp Gulls are quite opportunistic feeders, with their diet consisting of mainly of fish, crustaceans and molluscs but can forage on whatever prey is available, and will even harass other bird species for food scraps or target eggs and chicks.
Interestingly, breeding populations of Kelp Gulls only first established in Australia 1940s, with their populations growing significantly since the 1960s. When heard, their call is distinctly reminiscent of seascapes, and is quite similar to the typical gull species of the northern hemisphere that are often heard in the background of coastal-themed movies or TV shows.
