Odd-looking Herring Gull ? (W France) (1 Viewer)

[Gduff]

This bird has been photographed (not by me) on Oct 23rd on Ile de Sein, France.
These are the only pictures, no pictures in flight.

What do you think about this very dark-marked head individual ?

I've seen many pictures of HG with dark markings, but not as dark as this one.

Here's what I've read in Olsen's Gull of the world :
"Many birds from N Atlantic have very extensive head pattern of dark streaking, forming brown hood at distance, recalling Azores Gull; this is much less frequent in southern populations and in argentatus."

Does it indicate anything else than L. argentatus argenteus ? At least a northern individual ?
Can you safely rule out Azores Gull L. michahellis Atlantis ? I guess upperparts are too light grey.
Or even an American Herring Gull ?

Thanks

 

[rosbifs]

Gulls - Cabo Raso, Portugal 19.10

Some gulls from today. Had a bit of a swatch today. A.couple of medium Shearwaters but too far and quickly gone for me, one Storm Petrel, I'm sticking with Storm Petrel sp although because it was so small I'm thinking Storm Petrel - it was super close but kept hiding in the waves!, one Short...

www.birdforum.net

Here is one I had in Lisbon area. Some useful links and discussion...

 

[Gduff]

Gulls - Cabo Raso, Portugal 19.10

Some gulls from today. Had a bit of a swatch today. A.couple of medium Shearwaters but too far and quickly gone for me, one Storm Petrel, I'm sticking with Storm Petrel sp although because it was so small I'm thinking Storm Petrel - it was super close but kept hiding in the waves!, one Short...

www.birdforum.net

Here is one I had in Lisbon area. Some useful links and discussion...

Thanks, this is indeed useful!
But the bird pictured shows a very rounded head and a light grey mantle, which doesn't favour YLG, does it?

 

[lou salomon]

appearance ("jizz") of head and bill, large white primary tips, apparently pale mantle and not finished primary moult indeed all point towards a strongly marked Herring Gull.