Mediterranean Gull (L. melanocephalus)

(last update: June 11, 2012 )

Mediterranean Gull adult 37A0 February 21 2015, Le Portel / Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France. Picture: Jean-Michel Sauvage.

Bird from Belgium. Ringed as pullus (only metal ring) on May 23 2001 at Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, BELGIUM (51,2N 4,17E). Retrapped and darvic ring attached: on June 14 2004 at Berendrecht, Antwerpen, BELGIUM (plastic ring green 3JH9 added). Again retrapped: March 24 2007 at Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, BELGIUM (darvic ring replaced, now white 37A0).

History:
This bird spend winter in the region (Boulogne-sur-mer,Outreau,Wimereux,Le-Portel)
04/03/2008 - 18.04.2008: Zandvlietsluis, Antwerpen, BELGIUM 51,2N 4,17E
13/07/2008: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL 52,31N 4,55E
03/06/2009: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL
17/05/2011 - 15/07/2011: Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL (2 chicks)
25 & 26/03/2012: Total, Antwerpen, Belgium
21/03/2013 - 10.04.2013: Total, Antwerpen, BELGIUM.

This bird has advanced (pre-alternate) moult.

The partial moult in Mediterranean Gull is from December to March-April and includes body and head, leaving birds in so-called "adult summer" plumage. The head develops a jet-black hood, extending down the nape. Adult birds have broad and contrasting white crescents above and below the eye. The bare part coloration in adult plumage: Iris brown, orbital ring coral red, the bill scarlet red often with a thin black bill-band and a yellowish tip and the legs red.