Kelp Gull

Afrikaans name: Kelpmeeu

Photo © Steven Herbert

Larus dominicanus

The Kelp Gull is a very widespread species. It is found over most of the Southern Hemisphere. With it being found over such a wide area it is understandable that it is known by a number of names includind Domincan Gull, Southern Black-backed Gull and Karoro. Some experts believe that the subspecies of Kelp Gull found in South Africa should be separated to a full species and called the Cape Gull.

These birds are scavengers and can be seen at rubbish dumps in some areas. Kelp Gulls also rob food from other birds such as African Penguins and Cape Gannets. They do also eat fresh food such as shellfish.

Kelp Gulls make their nest on beaches or islands. Two or three eggs are laid and are tended to by both parents.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	287	Larus dominicanus
2nd	287	Larus dominicanus
3rd	287	Larus dominicanus
4th	287	Larus dominicanus
5th	312	Larus dominicanus
6th	312	Larus dominicanus
7th	313	Larus dominicanus

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	287	Southern Black-backed Gull
2nd	287	Black-backed Gull
3rd	287	Southern Black-backed Gull
4th	287	Southern Black-backed Gull
5th	312	Kelp Gull
6th	312	Kelp Gull
7th	313	Kelp Gull

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	287	Swartrug-meeu
2nd	287	Swartrug-meeu
3rd	287	Swartrug-meeu
4th	287	Swartrug-meeu
5th	312	Swartrugmeeu
6th	312	Swartrugmeeu
7th	313	Swartrugmeeu

References and further reading

Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 96

Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 33

Two Oceans - Author: Branch, Griffiths, Branch and Beckley - Published: 2010 - Page: 350

Wild Issue 25 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 60

The Birds of South Africa - Author: Hazel Stokes - Published: 1979 - Page: 20

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 118

The Coastal Guide of South Africa - Author: Jacana Media - Published: 2007 - Page: 98

Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 141

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 206

Seabirds - Author: Peter Harrison - Published: 1983 - Page: 343

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 78

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 200

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 272

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 276

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 198

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 205

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 132

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 156

Questions and Answers - Birds of Southern Africa - Author: Deirdre Richards - Published: 1990 - Page: 14

Ocean Birds - Author: Lars Lofgren - Published: 1984 - Page: 227

Ocean Birds - Author: Lars Lofgren - Published: 1984 - Page: 15

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 54

Meeting with Birds - Author: Tom Spence - Published: 1986 - Page: 19

Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 54

Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 97

Field Guide to the West Coast - Author: H. Marshall and B. Mommsen - Published: 1994 - Page: 97

Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 138

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 107

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 33

Common Birds of the North Coast - Author: Bing Comrie - Published: 2005 - Page: 32

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 61

Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 103

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 183

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 125

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 183

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 133

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds