On any normal day in Australia you really only have much hope of seeing 3 species of gull, and then only if you are birding in a few spots in the Southern East of the country. It's reasonable to say that compared to many other counties we don't have many species of gull.
This is a Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) which is also known as the Dominican gull. It breeds on coasts and islands through much of the Southern Hemisphere. The nominate L. d. dominicanus is the subspecies found around South America, parts of Australia, and New Zealand, while L. d. vetula is a subspecies occurring around Southern Africa.
It may be common in other parts of its range - but I always like finding one (or more) as they feel special in my part of the world. That being said, in the SE corner of Tasmania they are not hard to find.
In these pictures you can see some of the features that separate it from the Pacific Gull. The bill, while still large, is not as large as a Kelp Gull's and it only has a yellow spot on the lower bill. The flight shots show the lack of a tail band (although some young birds do have one) and legs are not really bright yellow.
I know gull identification is a special skill, but it not that hard here!
As ever to join in with WBW click the link below. SM
Since I rarely visit the coast, my experience with gulls is limited. They certainly can be confusing, especially when dealing with various ages and plumages.
ReplyDeleteA lovely large gull Stewart. Thanks for hosting and I hope you have a great week ahead
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We have so many gulls and terns here in the US it takes real skill and knowledge to ID them all. Guess we should be grateful, huh? Good looking bird there.
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy a gull sighting - which is just as well, where I live! This one is most handsome... YAM xx
Thank you for introducing us to your goals. Always a pleasure to see you. Stewart
ReplyDeleteSo this is kelp gull different from sea gull. I am wiser today
ReplyDeleteIt has quite the wing span. I love the sounds of gulls along the shoreline!
ReplyDeletetrès belle série de photos Stewart. Le bec de ce goéland est très massif et bien jaune, très belle espèce.
ReplyDeleteAmitiés
THese are fantastic - especially the one in flight, low over the rocks...
ReplyDeleteNice looking gull. Thank you for hosting.
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