Yellow-legged Gull - Geelpootmeeuw (L. michahellis): 3cy June

(last update: 08 december 2003)

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photo 1133: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 3cy, June 13 2002, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France (50.42N,1.34E).

A 3cy michahellis showing yellow legs, a clear yellow base of the bill, a yellow iris, a red gonydeal spot (although semi-obscured by the black bill-band) and complete grey upper-parts (mantle and scapular region). The orbital ring is obviously red.
Most grey feathers in the wing-coverts are in better condition than the barred feathers, and apparently moulted later, i.e. in the partial autumn moult in 2cy (September-October). The inner two median, one lower lesser, the inner greater covert and four lesser coverts have been replaced. The only active moult can be found in the innermost greater covert and the upper tertial, which are both missing. Note the strong and powerful appearance, the blocky head and the bill with an obvious gonydeal angle.