Kelp Gull vs African Skimmer

Larus dominicanus compared with Rynchops flavirostris

Side-by-Side Comparison

Attribute Kelp Gull African Skimmer
Scientific Name Larus dominicanus Rynchops flavirostris
Order Charadriiformes Charadriiformes
Family Laridae Laridae
Conservation Status Least Concern Least Concern
Length
Wingspan 80.4 cm (31.7 in) 66.4 cm (26.1 in)
Weight 955.8333333333334 g (33.72 oz) 165.66666666666666 g (5.84 oz)
Diet -- --
Clutch Size 1-3 1-5
Population Trend

Habitat Comparison

Shared Habitats

Kelp Gull only

None

African Skimmer only

None

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Kelp Gull

Least Concern

African Skimmer

About These Birds

Kelp Gull

Kelp Gull, 54–65 cm, is the dominant large gull of the Southern Hemisphere, found on all sub-Antarctic and southern temperate coasts. Jet-black back, white body, yellow bill with red spot. Omnivore; forages on rocky shores, follows fishing boats, and preys on penguin eggs. Resident and sedentary.

African Skimmer

African Skimmer: 36–42 cm, black-and-white skimmer with a long bright orange-yellow bill where the lower mandible is longer than the upper. Flies low over large rivers and lakes, cutting the water surface with the lower bill to catch fish. Resident and partial migrant along large rivers and lakes of sub-Saharan Africa. NT.

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