Age at first breeding and change in plumage of kelp gulls Larus dominicanus in South Africa

In South Africa, kelp gulls Larus dominicanus anus first breed when 4 years old. At least 50% of 4-year-olds breed; virtually all older birds breed an nually. Most chides leave natal colonies in the austral autumn and winter. when about 6 months old, and 60% of them may not return until aged 2 or 3 y ears. One 3-year-old showed signs of defending territory, but birds only at tain full adult plumage when aged 4. The plumage of 3-year-olds is similar to that of adults. but the whits spots on the outer primaries are less well developed and the secondaries and inner primaries have no white trailing e dge. Chicks are dark, whereas birds aged 1 and 2 years gain increasing amou nts of pale or white plumage on the face, neck, underparts and tail.