Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans), 5cy, 3.1.2010, Aarhus East Harbor

This beautiful 4th winter Caspian Gull was also seen in December on the exact same spot in the harbor. There are a few comments on the primary pattern posted on Bird Forum.

It is a young adult (4th winter) as indicated by the heavy neck spotting, the black pattern on the bill and the dark streaks on primary coverts. The short grey p10 tongue and the solid black subterminal band to the p10 mirror also fit this age class though such patterns would also match adult cachinnans of some eastern origin or a minority of birds in the western Black Sea populations.