www.gull-research.org

This first winter lesser black-backed gull was found and photographed by Delfín González on the 13th of February, in Madrid. This is a bit confusing individual, as such velvety/uniform underparts and the lower hindneck head, is uncommon among lesser black backed gull, and resembles more that of a american herring gull. However,it has a finer bill compared to most american herring gulls and all black (the great majority of AHGs and many HGs should have some pale at the base by February). The first winter scapular feathers have anchor marks (which can also found by herring gulls). The tertials have only a narrow white fringe (which curiously is shared with AHG). The upper and under tail coverts have very sparse barring, typical for this species. The greater coverts do not really differ from that of herring gull. The inner primary window appears to be absent. This is the only example that I have found of an lesser black-backed gull that could potentially be regarded as a smith look-alike.