California Gull

California Gull californicus (last update: 22-12-2016 )
Coordinators: Alex Abela John Cant Mars Muusse Index ORG ring projects PDF's 1cy June 1cy July 1cy Aug 1cy Sept 1cy Oct 1cy Nov 1cy Dec 2cy Jan 2cy Feb 2cy March 2cy April 2cy May 2cy June 2cy July 2cy Aug 2cy Sept 2cy Oct 2cy Nov 2cy Dec 3cy Jan 3cy Feb 3cy March 3cy April 3cy May 3cy June 3cy July 3cy Aug 3cy Sept 3cy Oct 3cy Nov 3cy Dec 4cy / sub-ad Jan 4cy / sub-ad Feb 4cy / sub-ad March 4cy / sub-ad April 4cy / sub-ad May 4cy / sub-ad June 4cy / sub-ad July 4cy / sub-ad Aug 4cy / sub-ad Sept 4cy / sub-ad Oct 4cy / sub-ad Nov 4cy / sub-ad Dec adult Jan adult Feb adult March adult April adult May adult June adult July adult Aug adult Sept adult Oct adult Nov adult Dec	sub-adult: October California Gull is relatively quick in maturation, compared to other large gull taxa. This results in an overall ‘adult plumage’ after the complete moult in 3rd cycle. From September onwards, when no old feathers of the previous year are present anymore to give a clue about a bird’s age, it becomes difficult to exactly age each and every individual. However, some birds may again show some immature features like black in the tail or black in the primary coverts or secondaries. Also, bare part coloration may hint to the true age: immature birds often have no saturated yellow legs, but a strong green hue. And the base of the bill is not deep yellow but a pinkish blue in California Gull. See the ADULT OCTOBER section to check for birds that may appear somewhat immature in some respects.	*California Gull californicus* (sub-)adult, October 06 2018, San Luis Obispo, CA, USA. Picture: Alex Abela.** Seems to show a black spot in the tail.
		*California Gull californicus* (sub-)adult, October 08 2017, Pismo beach, CA, USA. Picture: Alex Abela.** Some black markings on greater primary coverts.

California Gull californicus

sub-adult: October