Other names: Dominican gull

The Kelp gull is the only gull commonly seen in Antarctica, where they occupy the coasts and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula throughout the year. They are widely scattered through the southern hemisphere, almost to the equator. They are large, white-headed gulls, with a straight yellow bill, and are experts at swooping down to pluck food from the surface of the water. Kelp gulls eat amphibians, birds, fish, mollusks, reptiles, worms, and even small mammals! However, their main food is the Antarctic limpet (NACELLA CONCINNA). Breeding starts in late November, when the eggs are incubated for 28 days. The eggs tend to hatch from mid-December to late January. The Kelp gull also breeds in southern Africa, Australasia and South America.

Stats

Length: 54 - 65 cm
Wingspan: 128 - 142 cm

Geographic Distribution