North France - small dark juv gull - march 24th

[miauleman]

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 !

[lou bertalan]

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]

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