Large dark gull seen at Boulogne/mer (north of France) on
14/03/1999.
Bird found on a large roof with Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus
argenteus), Greater black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) and Lesser
black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus graellsii) of various ages, including
adults.
Description :
- Size : larger than every gulls present except GBBG.
- Structure : very elongated (especially wings) and horizontal
stance.
- Upperparts colour : darker than every gulls present except
GBBG, including LBBG. To my opinion less bluish than HG ssp argentatus.
- Outer wing pattern : not unlike HG ssp argentatus.
See drawing.
- Primaries : outer web grey like upperparts. P5 (numbered
inwards) perhaps missing.
- Bill : bright yellow with red spot near gony.
- Leg : bubble-gum pink.
This picture was shown to several gull enthusiasts :
- one from Ireland, who suggested (with no kind of certainty)
an (exceptionally) dark HG ssp argentatus,
- one from Norway, who suggested (with no kind of certainty)
a (possibly hybrid with) Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans michahellis).
- one from the USA who suggested a hybrid between GBBG and
HG or a dark HG ssp argentatus,
- two from the Netherlands who thinks the bird is just right
for a dark HG ssp argentatus.
Any opinion on this bird welcomed to Thierry
Fournet
Standing Gull
Drawing of wing pattern