Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)

(last update: March 12, 2015)

Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus vetula) 3rd cycle, December 19 2024, Cape Recife - 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.

Rather straightforward bird (classic) regarding age.
Bird in 3rd pre-basic moult, moulting to 3rd basic plumage. Aged by rounded tips (2nd generation) on outer primaries (although worn feathers).
3rd pre-basic moult: P1 dropped in both wing. Outer primaries and secondaries typical 2nd gen type. Tail: 2nd generation, except for central rectrices.