Putative Heuglin´s Gull, Hamata, Egypt, 23/5-2009

[RSNaarhus]

Hello

I would very much like some comments on this bird. I myself think it´s a Heuglin´s Gull (3cy female?) due to proportions and the extensive tail-band.

But all inputs are very welcome !

Best wishes Rune Sø Neergaard, Denmark

[JanJ]

Not much of an input Rune but a 3cy (no white primary tips)type heuglini might be a possible choice, cachinnans like bill might suggest that species. One would expect some yellow in the legs at this time of year if ageing is correct, although it´s nott impossible for a 3cy type at this time of year to have non-yellow legs. Bill looks rather thin, migh that suggest barabensis? Question mark is due to the notoriously difficult identication problematics regarding these sp/ssp.
Primaries seems worn? Anymore pic?

Jan

[RSNaarhus]

Hi Jan

Now I got the fligtshots in the thread as well instead of two similar pics

Best wishes RSN

[Hans Larsson]

Probably hard to be certain on this one.. My guess would be barabensis due to structure and seemingly paler mantle, but without other gulls to compare with it´s difficult.

[RSNaarhus]

The bird was not seen in the company of other large gulls but on one of the two pics I just oploaded a comparison with White-eyed Gull can be made.

The other pic shows a crop of the wingtip of the right wing.

Best wishes, RSN