Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), 3cy, 5.2.2012, Hirtshals Harbour

Note that it is not abnormal for 2nd- and, especially, 3rd-cycle glaucoides to show a brown wash on the outer primaries. The plumage of these immature gulls often looks quite retarded, with still lots of brown in the wing. Note that the brown wash on outer primaries of such birds simply matches the brown wash on outer secondaries, as is often the case in other 3rd-cycle gulls (e.g. Herring Gull). It is just a trait of immature plumage.

Here seen in front of the pale 3cy Kumlien’s Gull.