White Plumage of Sea-Birds

Abstract

IT is often considered that the white plumage of gulls, terns, gannets, etc., in temperate climates is in contradiction to the principle of protective and adaptive coloration, and survives only because these birds are relatively safe from attack and able to protect themselves. Thus Cott¹ remarks that "in any normal surroundings" they are "positively conspicuous" but considers that their strength and pugnacity protect them.