Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

(last update: March 12, 2015)

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) 2nd cycle, December 15 2024, Simonstown - Kaapstad, South Africa. Picture: Chris Gibbins.

Breeding season at this location (34°11'30S 18°25'52E) is in December, with this years juvenile birds almost fledging by mid-December.
Therefore it’s convenient to consider the bird at this page as 24 months old.

Bird in 2nd basic plumage. Aged by rounded tips (2nd generation) on outer primaries (although worn feathers). 3rd pre-basic moult: not started yet, P1 still in place, therefore this 24 months old bird is technically still 2nd cycle, but that's a matter of days rather than weeks.
In general, Kelp Gull seem to mature fast, regarding plumage, with birds in early stage of 3rd cycle already very adult-like.
Note adult-like wing-covert panel, 3rd generation adult-like secondaries and almost completely white tail (also 3rd generation type). Note also mature bare parts, like bill colour lacking obvious black.