Back to
Miscellaneous gulls
homepage

Larus argentatus argentatus?

Above: Adult (Lower Sunbury, Middlesex, 21 October 2004)

Perhaps just another large, dark 'northern' Herring Gull. But note the advanced state of the primary moult (L. a. argentatus is usually less far advanced at this time of year). Note also the extent of black in the primaries and large round white primary tips more akin to Yellow-legged Gull (L. michahellis), yet the extensive head markings unlike Yellow-legged. The pallid and undeveloped bill colouring are also atypical of Yellow-legged Gull so close to adult plumage.