Hooded Herring Gull (1 Viewer)

[Kernow Pete]

Today I observed the following "Hooded" Herring Gull on an Estuary in Cornwall. This bird appears to all intents and purposes to be a Herring Gull. However it is slightly smaller than accompanying Herring Gulls and has a very strange bill and head pattern. The last photo is of the same bird on the 7th of April, 2014, so this plumage is permanent. Could hybridization be a cause for these odd features?

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

I guess a immature HG (4cy?) who forgot to moult his winter head...

 

[Kernow Pete]

Any other takers on this bird?

 

[Nutcracker]

Agree with Valéry :t:

 

[lou salomon]

well, it's a herring gull and the hood is probably a sign of a disturbed hormonal production, breeding plumage being supported by sexual hormones. or it hasn't moulted from basic plumage, also due to some metabolistic problems. otherwise the bird looks adult or near adult (at least 5cy).

 

[Valéry Schollaert]

otherwise the bird looks adult or near adult (at least 5cy).

With this bill pattern, Lou????

 

[lou salomon]

yes, why not. dark on bill in this case also being a sign of the hormonal disfunction. a herring gull with such large white primary tips abd no other immaturity signs cannot be a 4cy.