[Terry Townshend]

I photographed this gull in Copenhagen today. I think it is most likely a yellow-legged argentatus Herring Gull but I would be grateful for the opinions of gull experts on here.

Although the wing-tip shows quite a lot of black (third photo), the pattern, with a complete white tip to P10 and a broken dark marking on P5, best fits argentatus, I believe. And the head shape suggests Herring. I did not think that the mantle was particularly dark but the bird was on its own and so a direct comparison with regular argentatus herring gulls was not possible.

Pro-Yellow-legged Gull features include relatively mild streaking on the head, reddish orbital ring and, of course, the legs.

Grateful for views,

Thanks in advance

Terry

[Cristian Mihai]

I would go with Herring Gull. The structure and what I can see from the wing tip look better for argentatus.

[JANJ]

Dav Terry.

As Cristian mentioned you have a Herring Gull. Rarely YLG's lack an obvious dark mark on p5 but they usually have an red orbital ring, a mrror on p10 and more black on wingtip. So, a yellow-legged Herring is what you have. Some Herrings have less well streaked heads - by now.
Check some adult - near adult YLG's here:

http://waarneming.nl/soort/photos/250

JanJ

[Terry Townshend]

Thanks Cristian and JanJ, and thanks for the link. I guess with experience structure alone would probably have ruled out YLG.

Thanks again - your help is much appreciated.

Best wishes for 2010!

Terry

[lou salomon]

Originally Posted by Terry Townshend

I guess with experience structure alone would probably have ruled out YLG.

Terry

true, 2nd pic is very tyical for HG, more compact with more hanging belly while YLG is more elegant, elongated, has longer wings, usually a different head shape (more rectangular) and breast is more accentuated.

good birding 2010!