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Kelp Gull

The kelp gull is a widespread and highly adaptable seabird found across the Southern Hemisphere. This gull has mastered life along coastlines, estuaries, islands, and even man–made environments like shipwrecks and rooftops.

 

Typical of gulls, these birds have white heads, necks, and underparts that contrast sharply with their dark slate-black wings and back. Their bright yellow bill — marked with a distinctive red spot — is perfectly suited for their opportunistic feeding habits. These gulls are omnivorous and highly resourceful foragers. They feed on almost anything they can find — fish, snakes, berries, other birds, and even sewage and carrion. They are even known to swoop down and feed on the blubber of southern right whales swimming below! 

These seabirds nest in colonies that can include up to several hundred breeding pairs. After building a nest on the ground using dried plants or seaweed. It is thought that kelp gulls may be monogamous, similar to other gull species.

 

 

It is estimated that there may be over 4 million kelp gulls across their wide range. Their overall population is currently increasing, although oil spills and disease outbreaks still pose a threat to this species.

 

 

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