Kelp Gull vs Short-billed Gull

Kelp Gull

Larus dominicanus

Large952 gMarine

The kelp gull superficially resembles two gulls from further north in the Atlantic Ocean, the lesser black-backed gull and the great black-backed gull, and is intermediate in size between these two species. This species ranges from 54 to 65 cm (21 to 26 in) in total length, from 128 to 142 cm (50 to 56 in) in wingspan and from 540 to 1,390 g (1.19 to 3.06 lb) in weight. Adult males and females weigh on average 1,000 g (2.2 lb) and 900 g (2.0 lb) respectively. Among standard measurements, the wing chord is 37.3 to 44.8 cm (14.7 to 17.6 in), the bill is 4.4 to 5.9 cm (1.7 to 2.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recording: Kevin Guille · CC0

Photo: Arnim Littek · CC BY 4.0

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

The short-billed gull has a length 40–45 cm (16–18 in) and a wingspan 100–120 cm (39–47 in). It is smaller than other gulls in the Common gull complex, with a shorter bill and longer wings. Its wings appear long and narrow in flight relative to its short body. In breeding plumage, adults have a white head, pale eyes surrounded by a red orbital skin, yellow legs and bill with no markings. In winter, the head is marked with brown mottling, the eye orbital skin becomes grayish and the bill becomes duller with a faint dark marking.

ID text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: TRinaud · CC BY 4.0

Photos and recordings are credited to their authors under the licence shown. Full profiles: Kelp Gull and Short-billed Gull.