Mediterranean Gull 3CW3 adult, February 06 2003, Le Portel /Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,1.34E).

This individual is ringed: right green 3CW3. From late summer to September, a complete moult takes place, bringing birds into so-called "adult winter" plumage. The head pattern in wintering bird resembles "first winter plumage" after finishing the complete moult: a blackish mask behind the eye. 

The next moult in Mediterranean Gull is again a partial moult, from January to April, and includes body and head, leaving birds in so-called "adult summer" plumage from early April onwards. The head develops a jet-black hood, extending down the nape. Adult birds have broad white crescents above and below the eye.
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. The secondaries, the under-wing and the tail are completely white. The bare part coloration by February: 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.

Ring readings:

• 3CW3 Right as >3CY (was green K76) on June 01 2002 at Berendrecht, Antwerpen, BELGIUM (51,2N 4,19E)
• 25/06/02  Zandvlietsluis (new colony), Antwerpen, BELGIUM  51,2N 4,17E
• 07/08/02  Wimereux, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,46N 1,37E
• 23/08/02  Wimereux, Plage Nord, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,46N 1,37E
• 10/09/02  Wimereux, Plage Nord, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,46N 1,37E
• 30/09/02  Wissant, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,53N 1,4E 
• 06/02/03  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 07/02/03  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E
• 26/02/03  Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE  50,42N 1,34E