Yellow-legged
Gull - Larus michahellis
(last update: October 08 2013)
Coordinators:
Delfín González
Gabriel Martín
Antonio Gutierrez
Amir Ben Dov
Mars Muusse
Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 1CY, November 25 2003, Sète, S France.
An individual showing extensive moult in the upper tertials and wing-coverts, replaced in the post-juvenile moult. It shows the ordinary sequence of this partial moult, which normally includes most inner wing-coverts and upper tertials, but note the plain pattern of the second generation coverts, especially the inner greater coverts, reminiscent of 2CY michahellis. All scapulars have been replaced for second generation feathers, including the rear lower scapulars, the ones covering the scapular coverts. In both the upper and lower scapulars, a subsequent moult to third generation feathers has started (over 50% is third generation), most new feathers plain grey with a dark shaft streak.
The partial autumn moult included the three upper tertials, the seven inner greater coverts, all visible inner median coverts, lower lesser coverts and lesser coverts (although a few seem to be missing).
The bill turns paler at the base, especially at the lower mandible.
