Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with reduced pigmentation seen in Feldballe

Some of these pale type Herring Gulls can recall birds labelled as hybrid hyperboreus x argentatus (Viking Gull), but as this individual lacks a clear influence from Glaucous Gull when it comes to the pattern on each feather, is is considered to be European Herring Gulls with reduced or aberrant pigmentation.

It was seen on April 6, 2014.

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with reduced pigmentation seen in Grenaa Harbour

Some of these pale type Herring Gulls can recall birds labelled as hybrid hyperboreus x argentatus (Viking Gull), but as this individual lacks a clear influence from Glaucous Gull when it comes to the pattern on each feather, is is considered to be European Herring Gulls with reduced or aberrant pigmentation.

Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) with reduced pigmentation seen in Hanstholm Harbour

These three Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) were all photographed on March 31-April 1, 2013 in Hanstholm Harbour.

Some of these pale types can also recall birds labelled as hybrid hyperboreus x argentatus (Viking Gull), but as they lacks a clear influence from Glaucous Gull when it comes to the pattern on each feather, they are all considered to be European Herring Gulls with reduced pigmentation, but it will always be a question whether to name such as aberrant/pale end argentatus or Viking Gull-types.

#1: 31 March 2013, Hanhstholm Harbour, 7 photos below

#2: 1 April 2013, Hanhstholm Harbour, 1 photo below

#3: 1 April 2013, Hanhstholm Harbour, 1 photo below

2cy Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with extraordinary marked upperparts

This 2cy Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with extraordinary marked upperparts was photographed May 2, 2011 in Frederikshavn Harbour.

Three different 1st winter Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) with distinct pale fringes to the outer primary tips

These three different 2cy Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) were all photographed on February 9, 2013 in Hirtshals Harbour and they are not very different this on from Hanstholm Harbour .

They document that to a varying extent first winter Herring Gull can also show distinct pale fringes to the outer primary tips; a feature thus not unique to Thayer’s Gull. The degree can vary from narrow pale fringes to broad creamy-white fringes on bleached ‘milky coffee’ coloured primaries. The wing tip may then lack the contrast shown by most Herring Gulls at rest, and in flight such individuals can exhibit a pale underwing (including all the primaries) reminiscent of Iceland Gull as well as pallid upperwing with light brown wing tip and secondary bar.

Some of these gulls can also recall birds labelled as hybrid hyperboreus x argentatus (Viking Gull), but as they lacks a clear influence from Glaucous Gull when it comes to pattern on each feather, they are all considered to be European Herring Gulls with reduced pigmentation, but it will always be a question whether to name such as aberrant/pale end argentatus or Viking Gull-types.

#1: 9 February 2013, Hirtshals Harbour, 5 photos below

#2: 9 February 2013, Hirtshals Harbour, 5 photos below

#3: 9 February 2013, Hirtshals Harbour, 6 photos below

4 cy Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with partial leucisme

This 4cy Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) with partial colour aberrations was photographed February 9, 2013 in Hirtshals Harbour. However, I also managed to photograph the same individual one year before February 5, 2012. Besides having some pure white feathers other feathers have darker or more brown pigmentation than normal at their age class.