Yellow-legged Gull - Geelpootmeeuw (L. michahellis): 3cy March

(last update: 08 december 2003)

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photo 9208: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 3cy, March 17 2003, Etaples, France (50.42N,1.34E).

Another typical 3cy michahellis in spring, showing plain grey scapulars and a mix of grey median coverts and older barred lesser and greater coverts. The colour of the bare parts was still immature one month ago, but by mid-March the base of the bill and the legs turn already slightly yellow. After the partial moult is finished by late-April, the legs will appear deep yellow and the head-streaking will disappear, leaving birds with clean white head and under-parts.
Note the dark iris and the red orbital ring.