Black-headed Gull in Sweden today (1 Viewer)

[Aladdin]

Dear members and bird watchers!

Maybe a stupid question. But this two birds are ID by me as an adult Black-headed Gull in breeding plumage and one 1st winter Black-headeed gull.

But why is the adult in breeding plumage in February with temp -10 DegC

Kind regards and happy birding
Aladdin

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Not sure if you meant to attach a picture, but it's pretty normal for Black-headed Gull to be in breeding plumage now, or at least approaching it. The temperature isn't going to affect that.

 

[Aladdin]

Not sure if you meant to attach a picture, but it's pretty normal for Black-headed Gull to be in breeding plumage now, or at least approaching it. The temperature isn't going to affect that.

Thank you!

Yes, you are right, there should be attached pictures and I have attached them now.

Beginning of February and already with breeding plumage. I spotted 2 adults and the rest looked to be 1st winter. Might have been adult in noon breeding but hard to see in the sun shine

Thanks again, appreciated
Aladdin

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

I think the problem is that breeding plumage is often referred to as 'summer plumage', which obviously makes people surprised to see it in the winter. With Black-headed Gulls, the breeding season is not that far away though. I expect they will be getting back to their breeding colonies within about 6-8 weeks from now.

 

[Aladdin]

I think the problem is that breeding plumage is often referred to as 'summer plumage', which obviously makes people surprised to see it in the winter. With Black-headed Gulls, the breeding season is not that far away though. I expect they will be getting back to their breeding colonies within about 6-8 weeks from now.

Thank you!

I have reacted on the Black-headed gulls before. Already back to non breeding in July, or almost completed the molt. So they seems to be very early.

Thanks again
Aladdin

 

[CharleyBird]

Summer plumage gull had me wondering this morning.
Just the one in amongst a flock of 'winter plumage black headed' in London.
Checked my books, found this thread



Meanwhile, a flock of visiting redwing with a few fieldfare were feeding on a nearby field.

 

[Aladdin]

View attachment 1371083

Summer plumage gull had me wondering this morning.
Just the one in amongst a flock of 'winter plumage black headed' in London.
Checked my books, found this thread

View attachment 1371084

Meanwhile, a flock of visiting redwing with a few fieldfare were feeding on a nearby field.

Thank you!

So then we know for sure, they come in to breeding plumage different times

Kind regards
Aladdin

 

[stevethehydra]

Black-headed Gulls are incredibly variable in moult time. At this time of year you can see everything from full breeding plumage to full "winter" and all stages in between.

 

[Aladdin]

Black-headed Gulls are incredibly variable in moult time. At this time of year you can see everything from full breeding plumage to full "winter" and all stages in between.

Cheers!

Right now in Cyprus bird watching. Today I spotted a group of about 150 birds. And as you say, they are all in different stages

Thank you!
Aladdin