Gulls and plovers: age-related differences in kleptoparasitism among black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus)

Abstract

Kleptoparasitic attacks by adult and first winter (immature) black-headed gulls in flocks of lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) were compared. Attacks by immatures were less successful because they were more likely to be mistimed and detected by the target and immatures were apparently less selective in launching long distance attacks and choosing vantage points within flocks. As a result of their reduced success rate immature gulls tended to attack more often and were more likely to adopt other foraging techniques. There is some evidence that lapwings responded differentially to the arrival of adult and immature gulls. The success rate of attacks by immatures increased through the winter and immatures were correspondingly more likely to be encountered as kleptoparasites later in the season. Nevertheless success and intake rates among immatures did not increase to those among adults even by the end of the winter.