Young gulls’ drab plumage may help them avoid adult attacks

According to Science News, young gulls have discovered that looking boring is good for survival. Researchers tested this theory using painted wooden decoys: some were made to look like dull, unmarked juveniles while others mimicked the bold patterns of adults. When placed near territorial nesting gulls, the plain-looking decoys were attacked far less often than their colorfully marked counterparts. The finding suggests that a young gull's drab plumage acts as a social signal—essentially a visual badge that says "I'm still just a kid." It's nature's safety vest, and apparently it works.

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