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gulls (1 Viewer)

A rather unusual tail pattern on this HG. Any reason behind it? Could it be a Scandi like this one?

[Edit] forgot to mention the bird was at Marazion, Cornwall 30/10/13

Thanks in advance for any comments,
 

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1cy herring gull is right, i'm not sure we can assign it to subsp.; such aberrant tail patterns occure in all(?) large gull species. but it appears large and pretty pale. these pale parts (on underwing, esp. greater covert bases and underbody as well) might be part of the whole aspect which might be schizochromism.
 
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I'm struggling to find similar birds to compare this Herring Gull to. It appears to have a significantly darker chest, belly and head compared to other 1st winters. Since it's replaced its scaps and the wing cov's appear fairly worn I would have expected it to appear much paler around the lower body, particularly now in November.

Don't worry, I'm not suggesting smiths as the tail pattern was typical HG and the scaps look normal too. Just a bit surprised at the darkness of its lower body. Probably all within variation I guess...
 

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How unusual is this 4th winter GBBG? currently on the Camel Estuary, something growing from it's belly, a well defined dark streaked head and bright strawberry pink legs.
 

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snowcap said:
Any comments welcomed on this Gull , taken in northern England this morning. Seems to have quite an advanced mantle.View attachment 471292
Click to expand...

hi pete,

jizz says herring gull. same goes for its well marked head (although diffuse pattern as is the scap pattern) and bill shape. surely with some anomalies like TT-pattern and advanced scaps but this is possible for a november bird.

cheers
 
Qingcol said:
How unusual is this 4th winter GBBG? currently on the Camel Estuary, something growing from it's belly, a well defined dark streaked head and bright strawberry pink legs.
Click to expand...

hi,

this looks like a herring gull, 4cy type to me. the "something growing from its belly" is its right leg tucked in. bill is much too weak (especially its gonydeal angle) and head too striated for GBBG. can't explain the darker appearing remiges. any pics from above?

cheers
 
lou salomon said:
hi pete,

jizz says herring gull. same goes for its well marked head (although diffuse pattern as is the scap pattern) and bill shape. surely with some anomalies like TT-pattern and advanced scaps but this is possible for a november bird.

cheers
Click to expand...

Hi Lou, thanks. I was a bit concerned by the solidly dark bases to the outer greater coverts and the seemingly long wings.It had easily the most advanced mantle pattern of all the 1styr Gull present.

cheers, Pete.
 
lou salomon said:
hi,

this looks like a herring gull, 4cy type to me. the "something growing from its belly" is its right leg tucked in. bill is much too weak (especially its gonydeal angle) and head too striated for GBBG. can't explain the darker appearing remiges. any pics from above?

cheers
Click to expand...

Hi, no more pic's, a large heavy Gull, upper parts as black as 'fuscus', bill looked much heavier in profile, poss hybrid?
 
snowcap said:
Hi Lou, thanks. I was a bit concerned by the solidly dark bases to the outer greater coverts and the seemingly long wings.It had easily the most advanced mantle pattern of all the 1styr Gull present.

cheers, Pete.
Click to expand...

It does stand out and I'd certainly give it close scrutiny. Lou is absolutely right though.

Cheers, Andy.
 
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