Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

(last update: March 12, 2015)

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) 2nd cycle, December 15 2024, Muizenberg - 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.
Secondaries and primaries 2nd generation, few central rectrices replaced, but outer tail-feathers 2nd generation.
In general, Kelp Gull seem to mature fast, regarding plumage.