Kelp Gull Egg (Larus dominicanus) (tentative ID)

bird egg

ZOOLOGICAL SPECIMENS
Africa, Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, Tristan da Cunha
before 1885
egg

Kelp Gull Egg (Larus dominicanus) (tentative ID); native to Southern Hemisphere coastlines, likely collected near Tristan da Cunha and brought to the island before 1885. One of three egg shells possibly belonging to the kelp gull; all three may have been collected from the same nest.. All three are medium sized, pointed at one end, and covered with uneven spots in shades of brown. 35.19 has a jagged hole, a crack around the circumference of the shell, and the words 'B&W Curlew' written in pencil. No curlew species are known on Tristan da Cunha, and the egg does not resemble any curlew egg. Overall: 2 3/8 x 1 5/8 x 1 5/8 in.

2020.35.19