Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides), 4cy, 4.2.2012, Hvide Sande Harbour

Case: 2013-170
Date: 2012-01-15 -(02-04)
Site: Blåvandhuk, Denmark
Observer: *Dan Bruhn, Kent Olsen m.fl.

It is considered to be an Iceland Gull (Larus glaucoides) though this is not to say it is not a Kumlien's Gull. It has without doubt some subtle dark shading on the outer webs of p6-p10, a faint 'ghost mirror' on P10 and faint dark shading on p6-p9 reach the primary tips. However, 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.

Even though very faint the pattern is beginning to 'ghost' that shown by adults, with a mirror on p10.

Note that even though faint there is a 'ghost mirror' on P10 and the dark shading on outer webs of p6-p9 reach the primary tips.

Note that even though faint the dark shading on outer webs of p6-p9 reach the primary tips.

Here seen together with one of the 3cy Iceland Gulls.