The expression of Cek5, a receptor-type tyrosine kinase of the Eph subclass, and its variant form Cek5+ were examined in the chick neural retina during development. Cek5 is present at high levels at all stages of retinal development examined, while Cek5+ is most abundant during differentiation. Cek5 mRNA expression and immunoreactivity are evenly distributed in the undifferentiated retina. With differentiation, Cek5 becomes concentrated in the inner and outer plexiform layers. While only moderate changes in Cek5 protein expression are observed throughout retinal development, Cek5 phosphorylation on tyrosine in vivo is dramatically increased during differentiation. This suggests that the Cek5 ligand is expressed at high levels and causes Cek5 activation. Thus, Cek5 is likely to play an active role in retinal morphogenesis, particularly during the establishment of interneuronal contacts.