Heuglin's Gull (L. heuglini / antelius)

(last update: 6-3-2011)

1cy heuglini: November

Birds in still in (fresh) juvenile plumage. Large numbers now arrived at the wintering grounds in Africa and the Arabian peninsular. These birds typically are dark on underparts and underwing; the juvenile feathers in perfect condition, no wear. A completely juvenile plumage by late November is well posible, and strongly contrast with 1cy birds from southern taxa (michahellis, armenicus, cachinnans and most barabensis). The latter group normally has replaced the complete scapular region by late November, and many wing-coverts (normal pattern would be upper tertials, inner greater coverts, most median and lower lesser coverts and various lesser coverts all replaced for 2nd generation feathers).