Large Gull-Central Spain (1 Viewer)

[fdokykcu]

This gull was among a large flock of mostly adults Lesser Black-Backed Gulls yesterday 6th december, at a wetland in Cuenca (Central Spain). At first I thought it could be a 2cy (bicoloured bill) Yellow-Legged or even a (quite sparse here) Herring Gull, due to its light background colour & extension of white in the tertials points. But the small number of moulted scapulars, which seem to be the same shade as the adults, may suit better a younger individual (1cy). I have no more photos and unfortunately part of the upperwing is hidden. So I am still a bit puzzled with it. Could it be a light patterned 1 cy LBBG, explaining in this way the small number of 2nd generation scapulars ? Although Olsen guide shows darker individuals, there is one in gull.org that seems similar (Lesser Black-backed Gull - graellsii & intermedius). Also the structure of the wings (long) seem similar to the adults around. I would appreciate further comments on age and ID

 

[lou salomon]

it's actually a 2nd cycle (2cy in this case) LBBG. It has very long wings and scaps are mostly 2nd generation (not 1st), a few might be 3rd generation, the few darker ones. Pale iris, pale bill base and pattern of coverts and tertials exclude a 1st cycle (of course a few YLG can look this advanced in 1st winter but this one isn't one). Note long wings lacking pale tips and weak bill.

 

[fdokykcu]

it's actually a 2nd cycle (2cy in this case) LBBG. It has very long wings and scaps are mostly 2nd generation (not 1st), a few might be 3rd generation, the few darker ones. Pale iris, pale bill base and pattern of coverts and tertials exclude a 1st cycle (of course a few YLG can look this advanced in 1st winter but this one isn't one). Note long wings lacking pale tips and weak bill.

Thanks for this focal points, Lou