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Caspian Gull
Gashead

Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)

Caspian (or Pontic) gull. The eastern form of yellow-legged gull, this is a first winter bird.
Habitat
Brackish creek
Location
Dubai creek
Date taken
February 2005
Scientific name
Larus cachinnans
Equipment used
Canon 10D
Thank you for that. I have put it as another photo for the yellow legged,unless Rasmus or Cuckooroller tell us different
 
Probably barabensis/eastern cachinnans or heuglini. Seems like to advanced moult for a western (and eastern)? cachinnans in february, although the bill looks good for caspian.Large white-headed gulls in this region are often very difficult to identify, especially younger birds like this, wich would be a 1:st winter, second callender year, some old brown juvenile tertials and outer greater coverts. The primaries looks to fresh (black) for caspian at this age and time of year, they are usually much worn and bleached. Heuglini moults later, and therefore usually has fresher primaries. although there is variation. It is by the way videly accepted that caspian and yellow-legged gull are two seperate species!
Regards Jan.J
 

Media information

Category
Middle-East
Added by
Gashead
Date added
View count
445
Comment count
2

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