Yellow-legged Gull- Geelpootmeeuw (L. michahellis): 2cy August

(last update: 08 december 2003)

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photo 9: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 2cy, August 25 2000, Etaples / Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France.

A classical 2cy michahellis by the end of August. Most of the scapulars are grey. The upper two tertials are missing, one of them is growing. The greater coverts have all been replaced and the white fringe at the tip of the last moulted feathers is obvious. On average, the pattern in the greater coverts may be more well-defined, with bold barring or notching, especially on the inner greater coverts. Here, the pattern on the outer greater coverts is rather washed-out, with hardly visible variegated densely barred pattern on the feathers. Such a pattern can be found commonly in 2nd generation greater coverts of argenteus Herring Gulls. The outer median coverts have been replaced most recently and they appear much more adult-like than the other coverts, being grey with a dark shaft streak. In the lesser coverts a few similar grey feathers have been moulted in but most of them appear contrasting patterned with pale fringes and a brownish centre. Primary moult score: P8 is fully grown. Note the basal half of the lower mandible which is pale pinkish and the iris turning paler in August.