Mediterranean Gull juvenile 3KR2 August 08 2003, Le Portel /Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,1.34E).
A fresh bird in juvenile plumage from early August. Note that the post-juvenile moult has started; new plain grey second generation mantle feathers are visible on the back. This bird is also moulting the feathers on its head and neck, the new grey feathers contrast with the juvenile brown ones giving it a slightly mottled appearance.
Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)
A fresh bird in juvenile plumage from early August. Note that the post-juvenile moult has started; new plain grey second generation mantle feathers are visible on the back. This bird is also moulting the feathers on its head and neck, the new grey feathers contrast with the juvenile brown ones giving it a slightly mottled appearance.