Caspian Gull confirmation please UK (1 Viewer)

[GMS]

Hi,

I've found this gull this morning on the beach and believe it to be a 1st winter Caspian Gull. Could you please confirm.

To me it looked long-winged, compared to the many Herring Gulls around. Head was white, rump was whiter/cleaner than for HG, neat black tail band, moulted scapulars clearly visible.
The wing appears to have wing bars and only very faint window in primaries.

There is however still some streaking on the head, the neck-pattern is not as extensive as I would have thought and the bill seems quite heavy.

Any comments most welcome.
Best regards.

 

[SteveClifton]

I would call this a pale-headed 1cy michahellis.
As you said, the bill is on the heavy side, greater coverts rather boldly barred, tail band tapers towards the sides and darker inner primaries all fit YL Gull better to me.
Still a very smart bird IMO.

 

[GMS]

Thanks Steve