lusitanius Yellow-legged Gull

(last update: 10-12-2013)

Yellow-legged Gull lusitanius 2cy-3cy G.030 September 2006 & February 2007, Zumaia & Getaria (Gipuzkoa) Basque. Pictures: Xabier Remírez.

In the top image: the complete moult still has to be finished (outer primaries not fully grown). Simultaneously, a partial autumn moult takes place, in which normally the upper tertials and a number of inner wing-coverts are replaced for 3rd generation feathers (assumed that this individual has not included these feathers earlier in the post-juvenile moult, otherwise they will be replaced for 4th generation feathers (commonly seen in Mediterranean michahellis).

Bottom image: the feathers which were part of the partial autumn moult stand out as being fresher and more adult-like in pattern. Plumage in this individual rather classic for michahellis.

E.A.T. website:

Uno de los proyectos que se está realizando en la E.A.T. es el estudio de la biología y ecología de la Gaviota Patiamarilla (Larus michahellis lusitanius) en Gipuzkoa. A continuación, se muestran una serie de fotos que se han agrupado de acuerdo a la categoría de edad de cada uno de los individuos. La E.A.T. agradecerá el envío de fotos de gaviotas para completar la información.