Slaty-backed Gull (schistisagus) / オオセグロカモメ / 큰재갈매기

(last update: December 2015)

Slaty-backed Gull (schistisagus) 3rd cycle (4CY), March 15 2010, Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan. Picture: Shiroto.

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Immature looking bird, mostly due to wear. As the greater coverts are very worn, the secondaries underneath are exposed showing their pattern: bold white tips and grey centres. This is typically the pattern on 3rd gen secondaries making this bird most probably 3rd cycle. Otherwise retarded plumage with much brown tones, also in primaries. Bicoloured bill. Pink legs.