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

(last update: 08 december 2003)

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photo 9410: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 3cy, March 18 2003, Etaples, France (50.42N,1.34E).

A 3cy michahellis in spring, showing almost plain grey scapulars (especially in the lower scapulars some feathers have a dark shaft-streak or an anchor pattern) and a mix of grey-based median coverts and older barred lesser and greater coverts. The colour of the bare parts was still immature one month ago, but by mid-March the base of the bill and the legs turn already slightly yellow. After the partial moult is finished by late-April, the legs will appear deep yellow and the head-streaking will disappear, leaving birds with clean white head and under-parts.
Note the pale iris and the reddish orbital ring.