Progression of an individual Yellow-legged Gull from 2W (3cy) to Adult

© A. R. Dean

Images 2, 3 & 4.   2W (3cy), early February 2010.

(Image1 in the series is at 20/01/2010).

In flight shots note especially the clean, relatively dark grey mantle creating a 'saddle' neatly demarcated from brownish variegated wing-coverts; the clean white uppertail coverts and tail-base; and the strongly contrasting black tail-band. This combination is distinct from comparably-aged Herring Gull and is reminiscent of an over-sized Common Gull. Note also the inner primaries with pale inner web but dark outer web, creating a subdued paler 'window' on the inner primaries (intermediate in prominence between Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.