Gull ID please

dbozkurt · #1 (**permalink**) 26-03-2007, 09:37 PM

took this very heavily cropped picture of a gull yesterday. Unsure what it is all the adult black headed gulls are in summer plummage, the juveniles had very orange beaks and more white on their tails. I thought it was a little gull but the wings are wrong, the only other gull I thought it might be is a Bonaparte. Any thoughts please.

Ta Debs

GuyF · #2 (**permalink**) 26-03-2007, 09:41 PM

I can definetely see where you're coming from with the Bonaparte's Gull, and it had me confused for a minute. But, I would say it's a Black-Headed Gull thats being a bit late in turning to summer plumage, down here there are still quite a few that haven't changed yet. The thing that gives it away is that under the wingtip there is black whereas in a Bonaparte's Gull this should all be grey.
Guy

aeshna5 · #3 (**permalink**) 27-03-2007, 08:21 AM

In your photo the bill looks short + dark which might suggest Bonaparte's Gull, but there are clearly dark inner primaries which immediately eliminate this species. What you have is an adult Black-headed Gull that hasn't commenced it's moult yet.

Good clear photo which allows a positive ID!