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We come now to a third type of moult which is peculiar to all 
of the larger Gulls, and I have chosen as a representative species 
Larus argentatus Briinn. Herring Gull. 
1. Natal Down. — Grayish above with obscure mottling on 
the back and black spots on the head and throat, paler below. 
2 . Juvenal Plumage acquired by a complete postnatal moult. 
Above grayish brown with whitish and buffy edgings; below 
plumbeous with inconspicuous whitish mottling, the head and 
neck paler and tending to streaking. The primaries are uni¬ 
formly brownish black. The rectrices are similar but basally, and 
the outer one slightly, mottled with grayish white. The bill is 
plumbeous and the feet flesh-colored. 
3 . First Winter Plumage acquired by a limited postjuvenal 
moult which is apparently either suppressed in some individuals 
or postponed till the prenuptial period. The worn and faded 
juvenal dress is replaced on the back, head, and sides of breast 
by a similar plumage, which, however, is somewhat grayer and 
more mottled. November specimens are most apt to show this 
growth, which is very gradual and easily overlooked. 
with brownish gray. The bill becomes yellow. These birds 
unless closely examined would pass for adults. 
7 . Third Winter Plumage acquired by a complete second post¬ 
nuptial moult. A mantle wholly pearl gray is now assumed, the 
lower parts and the tail becoming pure white. The customary 
winter streaking of the head and neck is reduced. The primaries 
are tipped with white, the first having a large white subapical 
spot, and the second sometimes shows signs of one. The moult 
is at its height about the first of September. 
8 . Third Nuptial Plumage acquired by a limited third prenuptial 
moult, at its height in March. A pure white head, neck and breast 
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