Heuglin's Gull L heuglini

Heuglin's Gull - Larus heuglini

1: © Visa Rauste, 14-06-02; 2-3: © Visa Rauste, 13-06-02. Syktyvkar, Russia.

The scapulars have been replaced with plain grey feathers, but the wing coverts, tail and remiges still are juvenile. This individual has started the complete moult: the inner primaries and most median coverts have been shed. The 'moth-eaten' head suggests these feathers are currently being renewed as well. Note the finely barred axillaries and the immaculate white underparts.