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 2CY, February 09 2003, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,01.34E).
2CY michahellis which has
replaced the head, neck, breast, belly and flanks to second generation in
the first pre-basic moult last autumn. It
also included some wing-coverts in this moult. In
the right wing all tertials are still juvenile, but greater coverts #1-3, median coverts
#1-3, #8,
lower lesser coverts #1, #3, #6, #8 and only one lesser covert are second
generation as well.
The other wing-coverts and the tail feathers are still juvenile.
The feathers in the lowest row of scapulars are fresh second generation feathers with an
anchor pattern, a grey-buffish base
and neat tips. At least six upper scapulars have been replaced
recently for third generation feather. In 2CY michahellis it's common to find birds
starting to replace upper scapulars to third generation feathers, while
the rear lowest scapulars have only very recently been replaced for second
generation feathers. By this stage, this individual shows first generation
feathers (remiges, rectrices, most wing-coverts), second generation
feathers (the head, body, most scapulars and some wing-coverts) and at the
same time third generation feathers (a few lower upper scapulars).
Note that the head and neck are by no way pure white, with dark streaking
concentrated around the eye and extending on the nape. In the hind-neck
streaks are bolder and create a neck-collar. The
dark bill starts to turn paler at the base by February.
