First year gull in Tajikistan...Slender-billed or Black-headed? (1 Viewer)

[PhilSteiner]

Saw this bird near Khujand, Tajikistan on November 23. I originally thought it was Slender-billed because of its long legs and bill, but its dark eye and dark feathering around the eye make me think maybe it's actually just another Black-headed.

 

[Andrew Whitehouse]

Yes, Black-headed Gull. Slender-billed should always show a pale eye. The dark ear spot is also rather prominent, which points to Black-headed.

 

[jogresh]

If i recall correctly, the Siberian race of BHG has a longer bill. The wintering birds in Japan looked noticeably long billed.

 

[HouseCrow]

I will look into that, i never knew that...thanks @jogresh.

 

[Grahame Walbridge]

If i recall correctly, the Siberian race of BHG has a longer bill. The wintering birds in Japan looked noticeably long billed.

Fairly certain the the E Asian population, formerly sibiricus, said to have a longer, slimmer bill and paler upperparts etc, is no longer recognised. Presumably, any differences are considered clinal?

Clements, IOC and HBW all now treat BHG as monotypic.

Grahame