Mediterranean Gull K88 adult, February 07 2003, Le Portel /Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,1.34E).

This individual is ringed: right green K88. From late summer to September, a complete moult took place, bringing adult Mediterranean Gulls into so-called "adult winter" plumage. The head pattern in wintering bird resembles "first winter plumage" after finishing the complete moult: a blackish mask behind the eye. 

The next moult in Mediterranean Gull is a partial moult, from January to April, and includes body and head, leaving birds in so-called "adult summer" plumage from early April onwards. However, some birds may develop a black hood from late February onwards. The head shows a jet-black hood, slightly extending down the nape. Adult birds have broad white crescents above and below the eye.
The secondaries are completely white. The adult primaries are shiny pearly-grey, flashing white at a distance. There is a black line along the outer-web of P10. The secondaries, the under-wing and the tail are completely white. The bare part coloration by February: Iris brown, orbital ring red or orangey-red, the bill red or orangey-red with a black bill-band (and a yellowish tip) and the legs dull reddish or dark.

Ring readings:

• K88 Right as >3CY (metal Paris FS 37349) on December 16 2001 at Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE (50,42N 1,34E)
• 21/12/01  Le Portel, Centre Ville, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,44N 1,34E
• 02/03/02  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 09/03/02  Boulogne-sur-Mer, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,43N 1,37E
• 13/08/02  Le Portel, Rochers Sud, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 24/09/02  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E 
• 25/09/02  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 17/10/02  Equihen-Plage, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,41N 1,34E
• 12/11/02  Le Portel, Parking Roro, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,44N 1,35E
• 26/12/02  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E 
• 04/02/03  Le Portel, Parking Roro, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,44N 1,35E
• 07/02/03  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 27/02/03  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E