Common/Ring-billed Gull in Morocco 13/01/2024 (1 Viewer)

[Thibault Dieuleveut]

Hi,
I initially identified this as Common Gull, but I start to doubt, structure makes me think of Ring-billed (long legs, bill shape), as well as bill colour and very advanced plumage for this date, unlike to 1st winter Common Gulls that I use to see at this period.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Paul Penzance]

Spotted nape, paler mantle would suggest Ring-billed to me

 

[Prestdj]

plus pink to the bill pic 3 shows a stockier build which would support ring billed gull

 

[Bewick]

Also as the op mentioned, doesn't its 'seemingly advanced plumage' seem wrong for a common gull for this time of year?

 

[JWN Andrewes]

I would have overlooked this as Common. The size and structure of the bill would not have rung alarm bells, and it looks daintier than my mental image of Ring-billed, eg round looking head, lacking the small-eyed look of Ring-billed. Not a Gull buff though, so here to learn.

 

[KenM]

The absence of any white to the tertials is also a good/pro RBGull feature….I believe?

Cheers

 

[Larry Sweetland]

I would have overlooked this as Common. The size and structure of the bill would not have rung alarm bells, and it looks daintier than my mental image of Ring-billed, eg round looking head, lacking the small-eyed look of Ring-billed. Not a Gull buff though, so here to learn.

I would also over look this as a Common Gull, so if it is a Ring-billed I must look harder!

 

[smiths]

Do not feel bad for overlooking this... It is a Common Gull indeed, based on its bill shape, bill colour and pattern, colour of the upperparts, and the typical pattern of the remaining juvenile wing coverts (consisting of mainly a simple, dark shaft streak). Also, the smooth, brown 'shawl' on the lower hindneck and just tiny spots on the nape fit Common much better than Ring-billed; the latter shows coarse spotting (or streaking) on nape and hindneck.