Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus
Meet the Southern Hemisphere's most iconic shorebird, a bold and resourceful master of the coast known for its striking black-and-white plumage and keen intelligence.
Quick Identification
Size
Length: 54-65 cm (21-26 in); Wingspan: 128-142 cm (50-56 in); Weight: 0.9-1.3 kg (2-2.9 lbs)
Colors
Adults have a pure white head, tail, and underparts with a contrasting slate-black back and wings. They feature a bright yellow bill with a red spot on the lower mandible and greenish-yellow legs. Juveniles are mottled brown and grey.
Key Features
- Slate-black upperparts (mantle)
- Bright yellow bill with a red spot on the lower tip
- Greenish-yellow legs and feet
- Large, robust build with a powerful bill
When You’ll See Them
Sightings on EverydayEarth
Apr 8, 2026
A sprawling colony of Southern Giant Petrels is spread across a rocky beach on Isla Gran Robredo. Most of the birds are sitting on the ground, likely attending to nests. There is constant minor activity throughout the group as birds preen their feathers, adjust their positions, and look around. Several Kelp Gulls are visible standing among the much larger petrels. Towards the end of the clip, a petrel in the lower-right foreground stands and fully extends its long, dark wings before settling back down.
Apr 8, 2026
A large colony of Southern Giant Petrels is seen resting across a rocky expanse. Most of the birds are sitting quietly on the ground, though some can be seen preening their feathers or adjusting their positions. A single Kelp Gull walks across the foreground from left to right, and another petrel is briefly seen in flight in the distance.
Apr 7, 2026
A group of Kelp Gulls and Imperial Shags are gathered along the rocky shoreline of Isla Tova. Several gulls are perched on the wet rocks as waves crash against the shore, while a group of shags stands on the sandy area in the foreground. Multiple birds are seen flying over the ocean and across the frame, including a bird that briefly flies very close to the camera lens.
Apr 7, 2026
A dense colony of Southern Giant Petrels is seen resting on the rocky ground during a foggy morning. Many birds are huddled together, while some are seen stretching their wings or shifting their weight. In the hazy background, hundreds of other birds, including numerous Kelp Gulls, populate the landscape.
Apr 5, 2026
Several Kelp Gulls are scattered across a rocky shoreline at sunset. One gull stands quietly in the foreground, while others are perched on rocks nearer to the surf. As the waves crash against the shore, a few gulls take flight, gliding across the water's surface.
Apr 5, 2026
A dense colony of Southern Giant Petrels is resting on the ground in the dim, early morning light. Thick mist and fog roll across the landscape, momentarily obscuring the birds. Most petrels are stationary, though some can be seen turning their heads and adjusting their nesting positions. A few Kelp Gulls are visible standing further back in the colony.
Geographic range
Where Does the Kelp Gull Live?
The Kelp Gull is a true citizen of the Southern Hemisphere, boasting a massive range that spans several continents. They are native to the coastlines of South America, from Ecuador and Brazil down to the tip of Tierra del Fuego, and are the only gull species to breed on the Antarctic Peninsula. These resilient birds are also common sights across Southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, where they are often known as Karoro. While primarily coastal, their adaptability has allowed them to establish populations on numerous sub-Antarctic islands and even move further inland in regions like the Andes.
Basemap © OpenStreetMap contributors
Recorded on EverydayEarth
Behavior
The Kelp Gull is a highly intelligent and opportunistic seabird, often seen patrolling coastlines and urban harbors. They are incredibly social, frequently gathering in large, noisy colonies during the breeding season, though they are equally comfortable foraging solo or in small groups along the tide line. They exhibit a fascinating behavior called 'shell-dropping,' where they fly high into the air and drop mollusks onto rocks or pavement to crack them open.
In areas where they overlap with human activity, Kelp Gulls have become remarkably bold. They are notorious for raiding trash cans, following fishing vessels for scraps, and even stealing food directly from picnic tables. Despite their scavenger reputation, they are also skilled hunters, capable of taking live fish from the water's surface or predating on the eggs and chicks of other seabirds.
EverydayEarth exclusive
Camera Tips
Capturing the Kelp Gull on a backyard camera requires a focus on high-traffic areas near water or food sources. If you live near the coast, position your camera on a low tripod or a sturdy post facing a flat, open area like a lawn or a rooftop where these birds frequently land to rest. Since they are large birds, a wide-angle lens is preferred to capture their full wingspan if they take off suddenly. Set your camera height to about 2 to 3 feet off the ground for the most intimate eye-level shots.
Timing is crucial for the best lighting; the Kelp Gull’s white plumage is prone to 'blowing out' or overexposing in harsh midday sun. To get the best results, configure your camera to be most active during the golden hours of dawn and dusk. This will bring out the texture in their black feathers and the vivid yellow of their bills. If your camera has adjustable exposure settings, consider underexposing by a stop to preserve the detail in their bright white heads.
While we don't recommend feeding wildlife, Kelp Gulls are naturally curious and will investigate new objects. Placing a birdbath or a large, shallow water feature in the frame can attract them for bathing sequences, which make for high-action footage. Be aware that these are large, powerful birds; ensure your camera housing is secure and the mounting is rigid, as they have been known to peck at or even try to move shiny objects that catch their eye.
Similar Species
Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Kelp Gull.
Frequently Asked Questions
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