Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

(last update: March 12, 2015)

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) 3rd 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 3rd pre-basic moult, moulting to 3rd basic plumage. Aged by rounded tips (2nd generation) on outer primaries (although worn feathers).

In general, Kelp Gull seem to mature fast, regarding plumage, with birds in early stage of 3rd cycle already very adult-like, but in this bird obvious immature markings, like in tail-feathers.
3rd pre-basic moult: P1 dropped in left wing, and P1-P2 dropped in right wing. Outer primaries and secondaries typical 2nd gen type. Note, a growing tip of P4 (new 3rd generation) in the left wing.