North France - small dark juv gull - march 24th

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miauleman
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Joined:Tue May 13, 2014 9:23 pm
North France - small dark juv gull - march 24th

Post by miauleman » Wed May 14, 2014 5:54 pm

Hello gull experts

This is my first post, concerning an unusual gull seen in Boulogne-sur-mer/France in late march a few years ago.
It was in almost full juvenile plumage (only a few scapulars were moulted), and was a bit smaller than local Herring Gulls.

Pictures are given without any "enhancements", the bird was not so dark. I have many other pictures (but none in flight), feel free to ask with needed.

Any considerations about what the bird may be or may not be are welcomed !
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lou bertalan
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Re: North France - small dark juv gull - march 24th

Post by lou bertalan » Wed May 14, 2014 9:11 pm

hi miauleman,

covert and tertial pattern are very typical for european herring gull, which this bird surely is. a darkish female type. certainly an interesting individual and worth sharing. all brown body reminds a bit of american herring gull but the rest is quite typical. as you might know herring gull is extremely variable. retarded plumage (mostly juvenile) usually indicates a northern origin, so likely a (northern) scandinavian or russian bird.

cheers,

lou

miauleman
Posts:2
Joined:Tue May 13, 2014 9:23 pm

Re: North France - small dark juv gull - march 24th

Post by miauleman » Thu May 15, 2014 9:51 am

Hi Lou,

Thank you for your aswer. I had come to the same conclusion, mostly by default, since other possibilities (mostly American or even Thayer's) don't fit that much :?

Any other experiences of such retarded juveniles in late march or later ?

A north/east origin ... Why not to explain (very) late moult but such small, dark, all-dark-tailed individual a bit a variance with the usual view of typical argentatus 1st winter birds. Any other thoughs about origin of this bird ?

Cheers

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