CAPE GULL Larus (dominicanus) vetula

Probably the origin of Kelp Gull which was thought to be in Southern Africa. It may be split, distinguished by its dark iris, flatter head and grey-green legs . It also seems to me to have a heavier bill, although there is undoubtedely overlap. It is the race of most interest to British birders since it has recently occurred in the UK (centre photo). Although any race would have been welcome, this is the only one to have occured in the Western Palearctic. Other potential splits incude the Madagascan and Indian Ocean birds, or even the population in Antarctica.

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