Heuglin's Gull (L. heuglini / antelius)
(last update:
Heuglini 2cy, February 26 2001, Bahrain: Muharraq Jetty.
This individual shows the extreme advanced plumage regarding moult strategy. Heuglini may moult all visible body feathers to 2nd generation by the end of February already. However, the lowest tertial and the outermost greater coverts are still juvenile in the right wing. In the left wing, more juvenile coverts appear in the greater covert row. This 2cy is showing an obvious anchor and bar pattern on the upper parts. New tail-feathers are growing. Note the extensive streaking, very obvious on the flanks. This is a very strong and powerful individual; dominating adults (shown in the adult heuglini section).
By July, when some of these birds return to N Europe, the wing-coverts will appear worn and they show just a simple arrow-pattern.
