Gull, Donegal coast, April 30th (1 Viewer)

[Sunbird24]

Like a Herring Gull but no white mirrors or spots on the primaries, which look similar to Ring-billed Gull?

 

[Nutcracker]

A subadult (probably 3rd-4th year) Herring Gull :t:

 

[Sunbird24]

Thanks. Does this mean they only show the mirrors as adults or is it a seasonal thing due to wear, moulting and regrowth? Does the same apply to the Lesser Black-backed cousins?

 

[Nutcracker]

Only as full adults (4th-5th year on); and yes, applies to LBB and all the other large gulls. There is some variation between individuals over how long they take to reach full adult plumage, but roughly the same sequence of plumages in all of them. Smaller gulls get adult plumage younger, e.g. Black-headed Gulls when 2 years old.

 

[Sunbird24]

OK, Thanks for that info. I only rarely get to coasts that have these Gulls, mostly just western Mediterranean and SE Asia.