Western Gull vs Kelp Gull

In short

The Western Gull and Kelp Gull can be distinguished by their leg color and geographic range. Western Gulls have pink legs, while Kelp Gulls have yellow legs. Both species are large, but their ranges rarely overlap, with Western Gulls primarily found along the Pacific coast of North America and Kelp Gulls in the Southern Hemisphere.

Identification tips

1. Leg Color: Western Gulls have pink legs; Kelp Gulls have yellow legs. 2. Geographic Range: Western Gulls are found on the Pacific coast of North America; Kelp Gulls are in the Southern Hemisphere. 3. Mantle Color: Western Gulls have a darker gray mantle compared to Kelp Gulls.

Size

Both species are large gulls, but the Western Gull is slightly bulkier.

Plumage

Western Gulls have a darker gray mantle compared to the lighter gray of the Kelp Gull. Both have white heads and bodies, but the Kelp Gull's head can appear more streaked in non-breeding plumage.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical gull behaviors such as scavenging and opportunistic feeding. There are no significant behavioral differences noted in the sources.

Habitat

Western Gulls are coastal, found along the Pacific coast of North America, while Kelp Gulls inhabit a wider range in the Southern Hemisphere, often near coastal and inland water bodies.

Voice

The sources do not provide specific vocalization differences between these species.