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 15 2003, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N, 3.25E).
A rather coarsely marked individual in typical
plumage. One tertial has been replaced for second generation. This bird shows
the common sequence in wing-covert moult, with three inner greater coverts replaced for second
generation, five inner median coverts, several inner lower lesser coverts and
about five lesser coverts have been moulted. The lower lesser covert moult is
quite random. Almost all of the under-parts have been
replaced for second generation feathers as well, the head now showing neat streaking on
the new feathers. 1CY michahellis in this plumage, with fresh dark
under-parts resemble Lesser Black-backed Gull in some respect, but note:
- pale legs with pinkish shins, where Lesser
Black-backed Gulls normally show dark shins;
- pale inner-webs on inner primaries (not visible in this image);
- wedge-shaped tail-band (not visible in this image);
- bleached juvenile wing-coverts, with the white notches already largely worn
away, indicative for early hedged juveniles from the Mediterranean.
