The juvenile plumage initially develops with the head and upper parts becoming more ginger-brown. Its first moult (post-juvenile moult) usually starts after the bird first flies [check out this link] when just the head and body feathers will be renewed.
This is a 1st winter bird still showing the retention of some of its juvenile feathers including the dark tail but with the distinctive black tipped yellow bill. Through its first summer it will hold onto some of the faded juvenile plumage but may acquire a partial dark hood, often heavily spotted white, plus the legs and bill base will change to a more orange-red.
Above is an adult in its winter plumage sporting the bold dark ear spot and black tipped red bill. Its spring moult is also a partial moult when only the head and body feathers are renewed.
At the end of the its two year moult cycle this years juvenile (image 1) will look much the same as its adult parent showing that distinctive dark chocolate-brown cap plus the red bill and legs. FAB.
that's a long time to adulthood, i'd think! :)
ReplyDeleteTheresa ... it takes most gull species 3 to 4 years and us just a little bit longer!!
ReplyDeleteTerrific post paired with wonderful photos to illustrate the maturing of Black-headed Gulls! Fantastic!
ReplyDeleteFrank what a splendid summary and the images are superb~
ReplyDeleteAnd it's no wonder I have trouble trying to ID gulls! lol
ReplyDeleteGreat set Frank.
Thank you Julie.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary.
Hi Keith. I have the same issues but at least the Black-headed is relatively easy!
wonderful gulls, wonderful shots
ReplyDeleteThanks for the explanation. I'll try to remember for this fall when they'll be back :)
ReplyDeleteGulls are very difficult for me to id. It seems I am not alone. Great pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat is quite a change of plumage. VEry beautifully illustrated.
ReplyDeleteGood series Frank!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI love the gulls:)
ReplyDeleteA very handsome bird! Terrific photos too!
ReplyDeleteA great series. Very nice to see the complete moult sequence like this.
ReplyDeletePerfect series. You've got the entire process beautifully photographed!
ReplyDeleteWonderful series on the gulls. They do change in appearance as they age.
ReplyDeleteInformative post, well-illustrated with your wonderful photography!
ReplyDeleteThey really do a lot of changing don't they? Great post!
ReplyDeleteThey are a beautiful bird, especially the adults! Great shots!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful informative series, Frank. Great shots!!
ReplyDeleteHi Everyone. Thanks for all your comments while I've been away. If only all gull species plumages were this easy to comprehend ... birding would be so much easier..lol. FAB.
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