Yellow-legged Gull - Larus michahellis

(last update: October 08 2013)

Coordinators:
Delfín González
Gabriel Martín
Antonio Gutierrez
Amir Ben Dov
Mars Muusse

Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 3CY, March 18 2003, Etaples, France (50.42N,1.34E).

3CY michahellis in spring, showing almost plain grey scapulars (especially in the lower scapulars some feathers have a dark shaft-streak or an anchor pattern) and a mix of grey-based median coverts and older barred lesser and greater coverts. The colour of the bare parts was still immature one month ago, but by mid-March the base of the bill and the legs turn already slightly yellow. After the partial moult is finished by late-April, the legs will appear deep yellow and the head-streaking will disappear, leaving birds with clean white head and under-parts.
Note the pale iris and the reddish orbital ring.