Evidence of longevity and philopatry in Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus dominicanus) from central Chile

The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) is a widespread and abundant seabird species inhabiting much of the southern hemisphere, where at least 6 subspecies are recognized. For the nominate subspecies L. d. dominicanus present in South America, limited information is available on its basic life history traits. In this note we present information on longevity and philopatry based on the resighting of 3 Kelp Gull individuals banded as chicks at their natal colony in central Chile. All birds returned to breed at their natal island and established their nests within 50-80 m of their natal subcolony. Maximum observed longevity ranged between 17.5 and 22.1 years. We consider this information on life history and behavior valuable for management purposes as this subspecies is rapidly increasing at some coastal regions of South America and it may become a problematic species to humans and other seabird populations.