Is this a Common Gull

[Ollie]

Hi all

I am hopeless when it comes to identifying gulls especially in winter plumage. Is this a Common Gull.

Many thanks

[Jason Green]

Afternoon Roger

I would say it's a young Black-headed Gull. Not too sure of exact age, though in the case of Common Gull the legs are yellow as opposed to reddy-brown. Both have dark eyes and other seperating features will become clearer as it gains adult plumage, such as primaries and wing-tips.

I hope this helps.

Take care,

Jason

[Ollie]

Many thanks Jason. I should have thought about leg colour. I think you are right.

[aeshna5]

I would say you were right first time Ollie. It looks like a 1st winter Common Gull to me!

This bird looks much chunkier than any Black-headed Gull. Also latter would show dark spot behind the eye- this bird just shows some dark head streaking.
BlHG would show white outer primaries + a much cleaner underwing than your bird.

Though adult Common Gulls (particularly in breeding plumage) have yellow legs: juveniles often have fleshy/dark legs, consistent with this individual. Also note bill is stockier than on BHG.

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I would say you were right first time Ollie. It looks like a 1st winter Common Gull to me!

This bird looks much chunkier than any Black-headed Gull. Also latter would show dark spot behind the eye- this bird just shows some dark head streaking.
BlHG would show white outer primaries + a much cleaner underwing than your bird.

Though adult Common Gulls (particularly in breeding plumage) have yellow legs: juveniles often have fleshy/dark legs, consistent with this individual. Also note bill is stockier than on BHG.

Many thanks aeshna5. I didn't think it looked right for a Black-headed Gull. It was the beak that I was going by as well but then Jason said about the legs and I was more or less convinced I had it wrong.

Sorry Jason, thanks for your help though and thanks again aeshna5.

[simon taylor]

As well as the lack of black spot behind the eye, the birds bill also says Common Gull -

[Ollie]

Originally Posted by simon taylor

As well as the lack of black spot behind the eye, the birds bill also says Common Gull -

Thanks for your input Simon. Common Gull it is

[Vincent86]

Looking closely at the picture, it's a common gull.