Second calendar year, England 29 Jan 2011

[Neil Morris]

The birds we see in southern England tend fall into a rather specific and narrow set of features - undoubtedly because these are the types of birds we have become habituated to look for and recognise. So it's helpful to get a variety of opinions from others in different parts of Europe used to seeing different populations.

My feeling is that this particular bird appears to fall outside of what might be referred to from our part of the world as 'classic' (pure?) cachinnans. There do seem to be some anomolies in the coverts and retrices that suggest the influence of impurity - or at the least notable individual variation from the standard type.

Thanks for your comments.

[adriaens]

Coming into this a little late, but I would have no problem calling this a Caspian Gull.
As far as I know, hybrids tend to show a bit stronger spotting or even barring on the undertail coverts.

The moulted tail feather could simply reflect a damaged feather that had to be replaced. Perhaps the bird did not have enough energy or time to grow a feather with enough pigmentation ? Just a theory...

[Theo Muusse]

Is there a flight shot available?

Theo

[Neil Morris]

Is there a flight shot available?

Theo

Unfortunatly not, Theo.