Age-related differences in foraging success in the herring gull (Larus argentatus)

Abstract Aspects of the feeding success and behaviour of herring gulls Larus argentatus at refuse tips were investigated during the winter of 1981–1982. Feeding occurs in mixed flocks of adult and immature gulls and is highly competitive. Comparisons were made between five age-classes of gulls (adults and immature birds in their first, second, third and fourth years). Immature herring gulls were less successful than adults both in finding and extracting edible items from the refuse. The feeding strategy of immature birds involved more energy expenditure per unit of food gained than that of adults, and was therefore less efficient. Foraging ability improved over the first 4 years of life, 4-year-olds being almost as successful as adults. Over this period foraging skills are learnt and perfected, and competitive ability improves. It is suggested that this relates to the delay in the time of first breeding.

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