Birds
Kelp Gull
Larus dominicanus · also called Dominican gull
Bold enough to peck chunks of skin and blubber directly from the backs of living southern right whales, a kelp gull ranks among the most widespread and adaptable gull species anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere, exploiting nearly any food source its coastal range provides.
Overview
The kelp gull, Larus dominicanus, is a highly adaptable seabird native to coastal and ocean habitat spanning multiple continents and sub-Antarctic islands across the Southern Hemisphere. Its extraordinarily broad distribution, documented habit of attacking living whales for food, and generalist opportunistic diet make it one of the most ecologically flexible and successful gull species found anywhere in the world.
An opportunist without limits
Few seabirds demonstrate quite the same willingness to exploit any available food source as the kelp gull, whose documented habit of pecking skin and blubber from living whales shows just how far its opportunistic feeding strategy is prepared to go.
Status
Least Concern, remaining widespread and generally increasing in some areas thanks to its highly adaptable, opportunistic feeding strategy.
Kelp Gull: common questions
Does the kelp gull really attack living whales?
Yes, this species has been observed pecking chunks of skin and blubber directly from the backs of living southern right whales as they surface to breathe, a documented behaviour in parts of its range that can leave lasting scars on affected whales.
How widespread is the kelp gull?
This species is one of the most widely distributed gull species across the Southern Hemisphere, found along coastlines spanning multiple continents and numerous sub-Antarctic islands.
What does the kelp gull eat?
This species is an extremely adaptable omnivore and opportunist, eating fish, invertebrates, carrion, eggs, chicks, and human food scraps across almost any coastal habitat it inhabits.
Where does the kelp gull breed?
This species typically breeds in colonies on coastal cliffs, beaches, and islands, often near seal or penguin colonies that provide additional scavenging opportunities.