Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)

(last update: June 11, 2012)

3CY MEDITERRANEAN GULL

First half of the year (January - June) the primaries show much black with white tips in 3CY birds, obvious also in a closed wing (image above). In summer a complete moult takes place, replacing all feathers including primaries. Below, a bird missing the central primaries, showing the pattern on old 2nd generation P9-P10 in August. After the complete moult the new primaries are 3rd generation. Some birds have still traces of black along the shafts of the outer primaries, and can be aged as 3CY bird in autumn. Other birds develop distinct white primaries with a characteristic black line, just as in full adults (image below). Pictures: J.M. Sauvage.

The spring moult in Mediterranean Gull is again a partial moult, from February to April and includes body and head, bringing birds in so-called "second summer" plumage. Most noticeable is the replacement of head feathers: the head becomes darker with most birds developing a full hood, some still show limited flecking. The white tips of the primaries become slightly worn. The colour of bare parts become adult-like, with the orbital ring and bill turning coral red, the bill often with a black bill-band of varying width. The legs are scarlet red. The iris turns deep reddish-brown. As with 2CY birds there is individual variation in this age group but it is less pronounced and mostly involves the amount of black in the outer primaries and the fullness of the hood.

From June to September, a complete moult takes place, into so-called "third winter" or "adult winter" plumage. The head pattern resembles the pattern in first winter birds, with blackish mask behind the eye. The mantle, scapulars, tertials and all the wing-coverts are replaced for plain pearl-grey feathers. The secondaries are completely white. The adult primaries are shiny pearly-grey, flashing white at a distance. There is a black line along the outer-web of P10 (and sometimes on P9 as well). Secondaries, under-wing and tail all completely white. The bare part coloration in adult plumage: Iris brown, orbital ring red or orangey-red, the bill red or orangey-red with a black bill-band and a yellowish tip and the legs dull reddish or dark. There is some variation in 3cy and 4cy wing-tip patterns.

ADULT MEDITERRANEAN GULL

The next moult in Mediterranean Gull is again a partial moult, 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.