Yellow-footed Gull vs Kelp Gull

In short

The Yellow-footed Gull and Kelp Gull are similar large gulls, but they can be distinguished by leg color and bill size. Yellow-footed Gulls have bright yellow legs, while Kelp Gulls have greenish-yellow legs. Additionally, the Yellow-footed Gull has a slightly larger bill.

Identification tips

1. Leg Color: Yellow-footed Gulls have bright yellow legs; Kelp Gulls have greenish-yellow legs. 2. Bill Size: Yellow-footed Gulls have a slightly larger bill. 3. Mantle Color: Kelp Gulls have a darker mantle. 4. Location: Consider geographic range; Yellow-footed Gulls are more localized to the Gulf of California.

Size

Both species are similar in size, but the Yellow-footed Gull tends to have a slightly bulkier build.

Plumage

Both species have a similar overall plumage with white bodies and dark gray to black wings. However, the Kelp Gull's mantle is typically darker.

Behaviour

Both gulls exhibit similar behaviors typical of large gulls, including scavenging and colonial nesting.

Habitat

Yellow-footed Gulls are primarily found in the Gulf of California, while Kelp Gulls have a more widespread distribution, including coastal regions in the Southern Hemisphere.

Voice

Vocalizations are not well-documented for Yellow-footed Gulls, but both species produce typical gull-like calls.