Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)

(last update: June 11, 2012 )

Mediterranean Gull 4cy / adult R02S February 27 2008, Le Portel / Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France. Picture: Jean-Michel Sauvage.

Ringed as adult (3cy December) at the beach of Le-Portel, Pas-de-Calais.

History:
R02S green / Paris FS70299. Ringed on 15 December 2007 at Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE (50,42N 1,34E).
28/01/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E
06/02/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E
09/02/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E
12/02/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E
16/02/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E
27/02/2008 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34E

Mediterranean Gull have a partial moult, from December to March-April which 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.