Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)

(last update: June 11, 2012 )

Mediterranean Gull 3cy R31X July 03 2012, Le Portel / Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France. Picture: Jean-Michel Sauvage.

Bird has been ringed by Cap Ornis Baguage team, as pullus at Conchil le Temple, Pas de Calais, FRANCE (50,22N 1,4E) on 11 June 2010. Ring recoveries:

vv02/10/2010 Vierville-sur-Mer, Omaha beach, Calvados, FRANCE 49,22N 0,54WVimard, Gilbert
vv08/08/2011 Grandcamp-Maisy, Le Pont du Hâble, Calvados, FRANCE 49,23N 1,01WVimard, Gilbert
vv17/10/2011 Vierville-sur-Mer, Omaha beach, Calvados, FRANCE 49,22N 0,54WVimard, Gilbert
vv02/07/2012 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34ESauvage, Jean Michel
vv03/07/2012 Le Portel, Pas-de-Calais, FRANCE 50,42N 1,34ESauvage, Jean Michel

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.