Gull SW-Germany (1 Viewer)

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

This 2cy Gull was flying above the River Rhine two days ago. The following points looked unusual for a Yellow-legged Gull to me:

• large unmarked whitish areas on the underwing, including the axillaries
• a quite snoute head-profile with a narrow bill

But I am even not sure, if my ageing is correct now, and I hope for identification, if possible. Thanks!

https://flic.kr/p/2qbVocy

https://flic.kr/p/2qbVove

https://flic.kr/p/2qbVnJ4

all Möwe (Schwetzinger Wiesen, SW-Germany, 23.08.2024)

 

[NickBrown]

Aren't 2CY casps and YLGs supposed to be in active primary moult in August? The YLGs I can find that aren't in (too much) moult have grey in the wing, e.g. Gull Research Organisation, Gull Research Organisation

I'm still getting to grips with gulls myself, would love someone else's opinion

 

[kuzeycem]

Definitely a 1cy for me. In addition to the points you raised, the inner primaries window look a little pale for YLG, showing a bit of the venetian-blind pattern. However, I find the head-bill pattern more fitting for YLG and the underwing pattern might well be within variation. Here's an August 1cy bird with even paler underwings, it's labeled as cachinnans-like but honestly I'm struggling to see why it's not just a Caspian:

Gull Research Organisation

Gull website with many species / taxa. Comparison of plumage month by month.

gull-research.org

Anyway I'm sure Lou or Smiths will have an answer so you won't be stuck for too long with my ramblings

 

[lou salomon]

Hi Alexander,

while it sounds a bit brave to call such a pale bird including underwing a YLG, it still looks like one, and I think it is. What can be seen from tail pattern is a clean black band on a mostly white tail, very pale underparts but nothing to worry, it is already three and a half months old (and of course a 1cy). And yes, such pale YLGs exist, not so sure how common in Central Europe, though. Head jizz with shortish bill and large eye with "dirt" around it, and also body shape give it a michahellis look. I don't see anything really suggesting cachinnans here although there is no clear pic of its upperparts among that series.
btw. I really enjoyed the Water Rail Show on your recent flicks pics - must be a great place whith Spotted Crakes running around you on the path.

 

[Alexander Stöhr]

Hello,

excellent, thanks Lou, Kuzeycem, Nick and Valéry for identification and correction here on BF and on flickr!
Yes, you are right its a 1 cy bird, thanks! Knowing this, it even looks more unusual to me with the pale underwing, the strong, venetian blind primary window and the slightly weaker than usual dark mask around the eye (and the variagated upperwing, not so uniform).

Conclusion? I look again for gulls to study tomorrow (and later you know, still much to learn for me).

And yes Lou, glad you like the videos!
If the area is flooded, the clay in the soil leaves small ditches that attracts migrants and has provided some birders with nice views of Spotted Crakes in a few years.

More Spotted Crake from there (Schwetzinger Wiesen, SW-Germany, 15. and 25.08.2013)

https://flic.kr/p/2qcoLK1

https://flic.kr/p/2qcrbhX

And 20.08.2015