Monday 20 February 2012

Kumlien's Gull (Larus [glaucoides] kumlieni), 3cy, 5.2.2012, Hirtshals Harbour

Case: 2013-168
Date: 2012-01-13 -(02-26)
Site: Hirtshals Harbour, Denmark
Observer: Kent Olsen, Anders Østerby m.fl. (finder vil være anonym)


It has been identified as a Kumlien's Gull due to the dark outer webs contrasting with the pale inner webs on the outer four primaries in combination with relatively pale and unmarked inner primaries, a 'ghost mirror' on P10 which is bordered by dark subterminal band below, dark subterminal spots on the other outer primaries forming a hook onto the inner webs, whitish secondaries which are much paler than the outer primaries, and finally plumage wise a rather complete tail band. The tail band is a less reliable character at this age, but a strong contrast between the white tail bases and dark tail band is more typical of Kumlien's Gull. So the overall pattern is like a subdued Thayer's Gull of this age.

Note that the dark shading on the outer primaries is darker than the shading on the inner primaries and the primary coverts. Additionally, the outer primaries are also darker than the secondaries. The combination of the pseudo-mirror on P10 and dark subterminal spots, dark outer webs on the outer primaries and dark pattern forming a hook onto the inner webs should exclude the brown-winged glaucoides known from West Greenland and Iceland.

It was originally found on January 13 and has since then been documented with several great photos such as: January 14, January 16 and January 21.

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen
Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

Date: 5.2.2012. Foto: Kent Olsen

This photo was taken by Anders Østerby
Date: 15.1.2012. Foto: Lars Paaby

1 comment:

JanJ said...

Very good post Kent!

JanJ