South African Gulls

A few shots of the two most frequently encountered gulls in the Western Cape - Hartlaub's Gull (endemic to South-western Africa) and Cape Gull (the Southern African subspecies of Kelp Gull). Both are very common in the Cape Town area. We also saw Grey-headed Gull inland near Paarl.

Hartlaub's Gull (Larus hartlaubii) is endemic to south-west Africa and is common around the coast. It reminded me of short-billed Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei) with 'mirrors'.

Cape Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) is superficially similar to Lesser Black-backed Gull but is bulkier with a prominent white trailing edge to the wing, a much heavier bill and with more olive-coloured (not bright yellow) legs. It is very similar to the nominate form of Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), seen further north, but is apparently slightly larger, the iris appears dark (from mottled brown to pale yellow) and normally shows a white 'mirror' on p10 only.

So now you know....

Photos: Hartlaub's Gull (first two); and Cape Gull (three and four).