Heuglin's Gull (L. heuglini / antelius)
(last update:
Heuglini 3cy, February 25 2001, Bahrain: Muharraq Jetty.
In many respects the plumage is the same as the previous heuglini. Here, moult seems to be less advanced; more brown feathers appear in the outer greater and lesser coverts. Again winter streaking is still present and runs from the lower neck all the way to the side-breast; much further than would be expected in e.g. barabensis. In this sub-adult, the primaries are recently moulted and have distinct but relatively small tips and all primaries are completely grown. The legs are pink.
From this angle it seems a thumbprint is present in front of the eye. Nevertheless, this gull doesn't show a particularly friendly facial expression, as most barabensis in Bahrain do.
Note the sloped forehead and slender, long bill, reminiscent of cachinnans.
