Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)

(last update: June 11, 2012 )

Mediterranean Gull adult 31H6 March 06 2010, Le Portel / Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France. Picture: Jean-Michel Sauvage.

Together (PS-ed) with L. ridibundus, ringed at Boulogne-sur-Mer. Moult almost completed, see white feathers above bill. 31H6 ringed at Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, BELGIUM on 13 May 2007, at the nest as breeding adult. Seen at Le Portel on many occasions.

The partial moult in Mediterranean Gull is from December to March-April and includes body and head, leaving birds in so-called "adult summer" plumage. The head develops a jet-black hood, extending down the nape. Adult birds have broad and contrasting white crescents above and below the eye. The bare part coloration in adult plumage: Iris brown, orbital ring coral red, the bill scarlet red often with a thin black bill-band and a yellowish tip and the legs red.