Large White-headed Gull sp, Cyprus (1 Viewer)

[SJC]

Seen yesterday near Larnaca, Cyprus. Looked slightly smaller than nearby Caspian Gulls, about same size as Armenian Gulls. Colourwise appeared between the two species. Eye was small and in the field looked rather dark, although paler than Armenian Gulls.
Given the primary pattern, size/shape and colours could this be a Steppe Gull (ssp barabensis)?

 

[lou salomon]

Yes, it looks quite perfect for an adult Steppe Gull - nice record!

 

[SJC]

Thanks Lou!!

 

[Shearwater2002]

Well done Stavros!

 

[Steve Lister]

Is Steppe Gull currently a subspecies of Lesser Black-backed, or what?

 

[lou salomon]

Is Steppe Gull currently a subspecies of Lesser Black-backed, or what?

it is.