YL Gull confirmation please (1 Viewer)

GMS · Feb 15, 2020

I have this down as a 1st winter Yellow-legged Gull but wanted confirmation on this. I think overall structure, head pattern, belly, flanks, underwing, faint primary window, greater coverts pattern look all good for YL Gull IMO. However whilst the black tail band seems well defined, there are a fair few marks on the rump. It this still within variation?

Also mantle and scaps seem quite heavily marked. Some question as above.

Any comments would be much appreciated.

SteveClifton · Feb 15, 2020

I can't say either way on this bird, despite the excellent images, but perhaps 2cy Lesser Black-backed Gull should also be in the equation. They can be very similar!

If it is a YLG then it's frustrating that it isn't one showing lots of advanced moult in the wing coverts that we see in many individuals of this age. Everything there is still worn juvenile!

There is a bit of a primary window, but perhaps it's also within range of LBBG? Likewise the rather densely marked underwing coverts are perhaps better for LBBG too?

lou salomon · Feb 15, 2020

it's a LBBG. hardly any pale inner webs to inner primaries, weak bill, tail pattern!

GMS · Feb 15, 2020

Thanks guys. I did wonder about state of moult but have to admit I never thought about LBBG because I would have expected a very much darker plumage generally for a bird of this age. Always learning!

YL Gull confirmation please (1 Viewer)

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