About Larus dominicanus M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823
Similar Species
The kelp gull (scientific name Larus dominicanus M.H.K.Lichtenstein, 1823) superficially resembles two Atlantic gull species found further north: the lesser black-backed gull and the great black-backed gull. It is intermediate in size between these two species.
Body Size Range
Total body length of this species ranges from 54 to 65 cm (21 to 26 in), wingspan ranges from 128 to 142 cm (50 to 56 in), and body weight ranges from 540 to 1,390 g (1.19 to 3.06 lb). On average, adult males weigh 1,000 g (2.2 lb) and adult females weigh 900 g (2.0 lb).
Standard Morphometric Measurements
Standard measurements for the species are as follows: wing chord 37.3 to 44.8 cm (14.7 to 17.6 in), bill 4.4 to 5.9 cm (1.7 to 2.3 in), and tarsus 5.3 to 7.5 cm (2.1 to 3.0 in).
Adult Plumage
Adult kelp gulls have black upper bodies and wings. Their head, underparts, tail, and the small "mirror" markings at the wing tips are white.
Adult Soft Parts
The bill is yellow with a red spot, and the legs are greenish-yellow; legs are brighter and more yellow during breeding season, and duller and greener when not breeding.
Vocalization
The kelp gull's call is a strident ki-och.
Juvenile Appearance
Juvenile kelp gulls have dull legs, a black bill, a dark band across the tail, and overall grey-brown plumage with dense whitish edges. They rapidly develop a pale base to the bill and largely white head and underparts, and take three or four years to reach full maturity.
