Kelp gull

Larus dominicanus

The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican gull, is a gull that breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere.

Family: Laridae Order: Charadriiformes Conservation: Least Concern
Kelp gull

About the Kelp gull

The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican gull, is a gull that breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere. The nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia (where it overlaps with the Pacific gull), and New Zealand (where it is known as the black-backed gull, the southern black-backed gull, mollyhawk โ€“ particularly the juveniles, or by its Mฤori name karoro). L. d. vetula (known as the Cape gull) is a subspecies occurring around Southern Africa. The specific name comes from the Dominican Order of friars, who wear black and white habits.

Fun Facts About Kelp gull

  • The kelp gull (Larus dominicanus), also known as the Dominican gull, is a gull that breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere.

Conservation Status

The Kelp gull is classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This species is currently stable and not at significant risk of population decline.

View on IUCN Red List โ†’

Taxonomy & Classification

OrderCharadriiformes
FamilyLaridae
GenusLarus
SpeciesLarus dominicanus

Range & Habitat

Range map of Kelp gull

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Related Species

Other species in the Laridae family: