Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus
Local Name: Dominican Gull
Breeding Range: Falklands & southern
South America
Length: 55cm.
Falklands Population: ~30,000 breeding pairs
World Population: unknown
Kelp Gulls are extremely common along coasts
all around the Falklands, but they mostly breed on remote coastal
plains where human disturbance is minimal.
Colonies of up to several hundred pairs
make rudimentary nests in hollows lined with vegetation. Preferred
sites are sand or shingle beaches, sand dunes, or heath and grassland
behind the beach.
Two or three eggs are laid in December.
Chicks hatch in January, fledge in late February, and abandon the
nest site along with the adults in March.
Sexes are similar.
Juveniles are speckled brown in colour,
and do not acquire the complete adult plumage until 4 years of age.
Kelp Gulls are intelligent birds, able to
feed as predators or scavengers. Their diet includes eggs, chicks,
marine invertebrates, carrion and refuse.
In Stanley they use Ross Road to break open
mussels.
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Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus
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Adopt and name your penguin,
and we will send you reports and photos of your penguin's progress. We
will even send you a map to show you exactly where your penguin lives,
in case you ever want to visit. (Visitors are welcome).
Learn
More
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The Falklands Regime by Mike Bingham
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We are always pleased to receive donations
in support of our work. If you would like to make a donation, click
here. |
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