Black Headed or maybe Bonaparte's gull ? (1 Viewer)

Michał Jaro

Well-known member

• Jan 14, 2020

• #1

I took this photo in mid-May in Poland - the bird seems to have a tiny beak and in addition black (although the photo is weak, however, the feature is highlighted by a dark background - imo). In addition, it seems as if the bird was very slightly pinkish. I don't know about plumage details - so please help if you can.

 

Attachments

• 
  IMG_5055x.JPG

  249.3 KB · Views: 184

Nutcracker

Stop Brexit!

• Jan 14, 2020

• #2

Black-headed, tho' an odd one. But too dark on the underside of the primaries for Bony's.

 

Foxy

Well-known member

• Jan 14, 2020

• #3

Black-headed for me too. The pinkish tinge could just be photographic 'noise' or did you note that in the field?

 

Michał Jaro

Well-known member

• Jan 14, 2020

• #4

I'm not sure about "pinkish". I interpret it only from a photo. In my opinion, this beak is more noticeable - really small and probably without red. Even the legs that are slightly obscured look red ... but don't beak. this is where my doubts came from. And one more thing - this one looks (shape) like a little gull - doesn't it ?

 

Last edited: Jan 14, 2020

Deb Burhinus

Used to be well known! 😎

• Jan 14, 2020

• #5

Michał Jaro;3947529 said:

...In addition, it seems as if the bird was very slightly pinkish. I don't know about plumage details - so please help if you can.

Click to expand...

Its not that unusual for BHGs to have pinkish tones to the breast feathers - I’ve seen BHGs (and HGs) with vaying degrees of pink tones over the years - it’s thought it’s to do with either feeding (kreel?) or perhaps something to do with the the preen glands.

 

Michał Jaro

Well-known member

• Jan 15, 2020

• #6

Thank you all for your help!