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, October 22 2001, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.
This individual shows the average moult timing in 2CY michahellis by the end of October. Recently replaced feathers in the partial moult show a greyish-brown base and fringe combined with ill-defined dark brown patterns or are completely grey as most of the lower upper scapulars. Note the rather dense barring on the old (not included in the partial moult, still from the complete moult) outer greater coverts on this individual. Replaced feathers in the partial moult include the three inner greater covert, the entire visible median covert row and a few inner lesser coverts.
Most of the scapulars appear all grey, while some grey feathers may show a prominent dark shaft streak. Just a few old brown-centred scapulars have to be replaced to create a complete grey 'saddle'. In many 2CY michahellis, and here as well, the upper two tertials were moulted last and lack the typical second generation dark brown-black centre; the pattern is almost lacking and the feathers appear rather adult-like.
