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 947X November 26 2003, Port St. Louis, S France. Photo Ruud Altenburg.
947X looks very advanced with many grey scapulars and wing-coverts, yet still only 1/2 year old. In extend, it only shows an average amount of replaced wing-coverts and tertials in the post-juvenile moult. 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 (75-100% replaced in the upper scapulars and 50-75% replaced in the lower scapulars), with the third generation feathers plain grey with ill-defined black shaft-streaks.
The partial autumn moult in tertials and wing-coverts in the left wing: tertials #1-3; greater coverts #1-3; median coverts #3-4; lower lesser covert #3-4 and about five visible lesser coverts (10%; 80% of the lesser coverts visible). Outer lesser coverts and the upper row may still be juvenile.
The bill is most dark.
