3cy herring gull, Iceland
This herring gull was also photographed by Alex Máni in Þorákshöfn on the 4rth of November 2019. It is a 3cy, but for ita age, it has quite dark head, which is not that unusual. It has however quite a lot of black in the tail, given its age (especially considering that the tail is spread out). Regarding the upper inner wing, it has quite a lot of brown (2nd gen) in the lesser and greater coverts while 3rd gen median coverts, making a heavy contrasts (that can be seen among AHG´s). There is however only little black retained in the secondaries. The primaries are of interest. There is a large mirror on P10 (on both vanes) with subterminal band and a P9 mirror that is quite similar as on american herring gull. The tongue on P9 appear quite long, similar to american herring gull. More photos are needed to ascertain the tongue on P10. Clearly, a herring gull with some glaucous gull can have such long tongues. The band on P5 is quite narrow. Many 3rd cycle EHG´s can have have quite prominent band of P5, that may get thinner when they get older [need confirmation on that]. However, most AHGs tends to be much thicker P5 band (sometimes also on P4). American herring gulls would be expected to have darker markings on the tertials, i.e. more blackish. There could be other features to ponder about e.g. the bill colour. This is most likely to be a herring gull that is likely to have some glaucous influence.
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