Kelp Gull

Larus dominicanus Lichtenstein, MHC, 1823

Kelp Gull, Larus dominicanus, is a gull of the coasts and islands of South America, Australasia and Africa, breeding mainly in temperate to Antarctic waters. It was described by Lichtenstein, MHC, in 1823 and belongs to the family Laridae in the order Charadriiformes. The nominate form occurs around South America, parts of Australia and New Zealand, while a separate subspecies is found in Southern Africa. Its scientific name refers to the Dominican Order of friars, whose habits are black and white.

Order

Charadriiformes

Family

Laridae — Gulls, Terns, Skimmers

Breeding range

South America, Australasia, Africa: coasts of s continents and is., mostly temperate to Antarctic waters