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Melanistic yellow-legged Gull or not? (1 Viewer)

Mugil

Well-known member
crni_galeb.jpg


I did this digiscoping photo in Secovlje Salina (Slovenia) 4.7.2003. The specimen was in the flock together with all age Larus cachinnans roosting in a basin. I presume that it is only a melanistic gull not some other species. But?
 
The other possibility that always has to be borne in mind - is it a normal bird, that tried to wash itself in a puddle of ink (or other pollutant)?

Michael
 
Hi all,
While it may just be dark due to its plumage being stained,the bill seems to be unmarked,suggesting that melanism would be a more likely explanation?
Harry H
 
Hi Harry,

I thought the bill did look a bit darker/greyer than the other gulls around it. But I guess too, being a hard, smooth surface, it wouldn't stain as well as feathers. It'd be interesting to see the legs.

Michael
 
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