MOVEMENTS OF THE KELP GULL LARUS DOMINICANUS VETULA TO, FROM AND WITHIN SOUTHERN SOUTH AFRICA.

The article discusses the findings of a study which examined the movements of the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus vetula to, from and within southern South Africa. Using data from a database held by the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING), the re-sightings of live and recoveries of dead-ringed birds were analyzed. Several maps are presented showing the localities in southern South Africa where Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus vetula chicks and adults were ringed, flagged or re-sighted. A common feature of most seabird species is the tendency for young birds to disperse farther from breeding colonies as compared to adults.