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first year Kelp Gulls

Fig 1) These photos are taken in November, heading into the austral summer, so this bird is in first alternate plumage and about to begin its second prebasic moult. November, 2000. Chile. Photo by Don DesJardin.

Fig 2) Note the very white head, though still with dark underparts. Also note the dark mantle coming in. The bill is quite similar to Western in size and shape. November, 2000. Chile. Photo by Don DesJardin.

Fig 3) This shot shows the curious white spots near the tips of the inner primaries (not apparent in Fig 1). These are illustrated in the Handbook of New Zealand and Australian Birds (HANZAB); I've never seen this mark on any other gull, and may be a useful separation from Western Gull. November, 2000. Chile. Photo by Don DesJardin.

Fig 4) This first year bird in flight closely resembles Western Gull, except for the contrasting white head. November, 2000. Chile. Photo by Don DesJardin.