Herring Gull (argentatus & argenteus)

(last update: February 11, 2013)

Herring Gull sub-adult, July 18 2013, Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

4CY or 5CY bird, no ring, no provenance on origin and age.
Aged by vestiges of immaturity, most noticable dark markings in centres of the greater porimary coverts, in combination with adult-like pattern on primaries and secondaries. In particular note clear mirror on P9 and P10 in combination with completely adult-like secondaries, which probably indicate 5CY bird. Small black spot in tail.
Active moult in primaries (complete moult in summer months): P2/P5, and P3 tip also visible.