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

(last update: 08 december 2003)

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photo 9431: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 3cy, March 18 2003, Etaples, France (50.42N,1.34E).

A 3cy michahellis in spring, showing plain grey scapulars and a mix of several grey 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. This individual was already present at Etaples in February 2003 (click HERE), still showing the displaced greater coverts in the left wing.