Further notes on age of first breeding, plumage and biometrics of kelp gulls in South Africa

Abstract

Adult kelp gulls Larus dominicanus vetula were caught at the nest in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, in October and November 2006 using a 'walk-in' trap. In all, 13 previously ringed birds were re-trapped and a known-aged colour-ringed bird was observed at a nest with chicks. Two birds found breeding at the age of three years old were a year younger than the documented age of first breeding for this species. Plumage and soft part colouration used to age kelp gulls was found to be unreliable owing to individual variation. Biometric measurements were taken and fell largely within the published ranges for the species.