Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

These gulls were conspicuous and abundant throughout our voyage. Note the light eye. This molting adult is presumably the nominate race found in South America and Australia. Birds in South Africa, race "L. d. vetula" differ in having a dark eye, more sloping forehead, different bill shape and shorter wings. They are sometimes split as a separate species called "Cape Gull." New Zealand populations sometimes go under the name "Southern Black-backed Gull."