First-winter Herring Gull with yellow legs and bill base - Exmouth Quay. Not sure what to make of this bird. The tertials look remarkably plain and not at all Herring Gull-like, presumably due to wear, but in flight it looked like a perfectly ordinary Herring Gull. I wondered if the yellow is due to some sort of staining, but I think the colouration is too even for that. Just a pigmentation anomaly?
Hi. I popped to the quay around 3pm for an hour and came across the same bird. I have to admit the Gulls aren’t my strongest point but I too struggled with this one. Can’t add much to your thoughts except could it be a hybrid?
ReplyDeleteHi Spencer - first-winters of all the potential large white-headed gull 'cross' species have pinkish legs so think this is unlikely. More than likely just a bare part aberration but who knows? All the best. Matt
ReplyDeleteCheers mate. As said, Gulls aren’t my strongest area. It’s an odd variation.
ReplyDeleteWhat about argentatus? Looks like they can have yellow legs. This is probably worth a read http://www.gull-research.org/hg/HG4CY01.htm
ReplyDeleteHi Spencer - adults can. Again v unlikely in younger age groups. Matt
DeleteNo problem mate. Thanks for being patient with me as Gulls are hard work for me and just trying to figure this one out.
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