Western gulls, scientifically known as Larus occidentalis, have a lifespan of up to 25 years. These birds undergo a fascinating transformation over a period of four years to achieve their distinctive gray and white appearance.
As a young western gull, their plumage is predominantly brown with mottled patterns. This immature plumage helps them blend into their surroundings and provides camouflage from predators. It is not until they reach adulthood, around four years of age, that they develop the iconic gray and white feathers that we commonly associate with western gulls.
During their first year, western gulls molt their juvenile feathers and gradually acquire their first set of adult plumage. This initial molt introduces some gray and white feathers, but the overall appearance is still quite mottled. Over the next few years, they undergo subsequent molts, gradually replacing their brown juvenile feathers with more and more gray and white feathers. By the time they reach four years of age, they have completed this molting process and have obtained their full adult plumage.
Once western gulls have reached their adult appearance, they will maintain this plumage for the rest of their lives. However, it’s important to note that their feathers undergo wear and tear over time, which can lead to slight changes in color and pattern. These changes are often subtle and may not be noticeable without close observation.
In terms of their feeding behavior, western gulls are surface feeders. Unlike some other seabird species, they do not dive underwater in search of food. Instead, they rely on foraging at the ocean’s surface, where they primarily feed on fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine organisms. They have adapted to this feeding strategy and have developed specialized beaks and digestive systems to efficiently capture and process their prey.
While I don’t have personal experiences with western gulls specifically, I have had the opportunity to observe various seabird species in their natural habitats. It is always a captivating experience to witness these birds in action, whether they are soaring gracefully through the air or diving into the water to catch their prey. Seabirds, including western gulls, play an important role in marine ecosystems, and their long lifespans allow them to contribute to these ecosystems for many years.
Western gulls can live up to 25 years old. Their distinctive gray and white appearance is achieved over a four-year period, as they molt their juvenile feathers and gradually acquire their adult plumage. These surface-feeding birds have adapted to obtain their food from the ocean’s surface, and they do not dive like some other seabird species. Their lifespan and feeding behavior contribute to their role in marine ecosystems.