Possible BHG/Med Gull Hybrid (WORCS UK)? (1 Viewer)

[Sy V]

This bird has been seen around Upton Warren recently (May - June 2015).
It has caused much debate amongst the resident birders, so I have put together a five shot photo presentation for the ID Forum's regular laruphiles to ponder and muse over.
I am not going to lists the various ID features thus far suggested, for fear of influencing folks' opinions.
All input welcome.
Credit for photos goes to John Belsey, Craig Reed and John Oates.

 

[chaoticreason]

It appears more Med than BhG to my eyes, but there is no denying its unusually BhG type beak.
I look forward to hearing what the experts have to say.

 

[lewis20126]

I don't see why not. I've seen at least two in Hampshire although haven't got great photos of either.

cheers, alan

 

[Sy V]

Thanks Derren and Alan.
Does anyone else have anything to throw into the pot, please?

 

[Stuart Darbyshire]

What other combinations have been discussed out of interest please? Or maybe some sort of abnormal moult sequence?

It looks like I'd expect a Med x BHG to look so I would think that's the most sensible solution

 

[Phil Andrews]

What other combinations have been discussed out of interest please? Or maybe some sort of abnormal moult sequence?

It looks like I'd expect a Med x BHG to look so I would think that's the most sensible solution

At present the site regulars haven't got any further than Med x BHG but perhaps our thinking has been swayed by the regular occurrence of Meds. Can't see any other species alluded to in the features shown though

 

[lou salomon]

hi,

i was reluctant posting to this thread basically because i have no experience with these hybrids albeit i have photographed a bird which was a presumed hybrid of this combination. but i haven't found a pic of a 1st summer yet.

1. hybrids do occure, especially in N-central and W europe where med gulls don't have their core distribution and many single pairs are nesting within BHG colonies.
2. some (pure) med gulls do have slimmer bills than we are used to seeing.
3. claiming hybrids from photos is allways a challenge in gulls due to their large variability, so most would go under the label of 'presumed hybrid'

that said i still think this bird is a very good candidate: apart from the structural median proportions (bill shape more in line with BHG, shortish legs for med gull) and the plumage which is mostly in line with 1st cycle med gull i think the two pale spots in the outermost primaries are a good sign for black-headed gull influence. so, i'd say it is most probably a hybrid BHG x med gull.

best,

 

[Brian Stretch]

Agree that it's a BHG x Med.

Presumably the same bird just up the road at Marsh Lane NR a couple of months ago. Pics here including some decent flight shots.

Brian
________________
Worcester Birding

 

[Phil Andrews]

hi,

i was reluctant posting to this thread basically because i have no experience with these hybrids albeit i have photographed a bird which was a presumed hybrid of this combination. but i haven't found a pic of a 1st summer yet.

1. hybrids do occure, especially in N-central and W europe where med gulls don't have their core distribution and many single pairs are nesting within BHG colonies.
2. some (pure) med gulls do have slimmer bills than we are used to seeing.
3. claiming hybrids from photos is allways a challenge in gulls due to their large variability, so most would go under the label of 'presumed hybrid'

that said i still think this bird is a very good candidate: apart from the structural median proportions (bill shape more in line with BHG, shortish legs for med gull) and the plumage which is mostly in line with 1st cycle med gull i think the two pale spots in the outermost primaries are a good sign for black-headed gull influence. so, i'd say it is most probably a hybrid BHG x med gull.

best,

Thanks for your thoughts view - it was the lack of imagines of first summer definitively labelled a Med x BHG that was causing us to be extra cautious.

Brian - ta the heads up on the Marsh Lane bird