A first calendar-year Mediterranean Gull just starting moult from juvenile into first-winter plumage (note fresh pale grey upper scapulars). In second-winter and subsequent plumages, confusion is most likely between Mediterranean Gull and Black-headed Gull. However, in juvenile, first-winter and first-summer plumages Med Gull is superficially closest to same-age Common Gull, especially in flight. In the images above, note the following specific characters:

• Relatively strongly contrasting 'piebald' plumage

• Dusky patch appearing on ear-coverts

• New, very pale, 'pearly grey' feathers appearing in upper scapulars and lesser coverts

• Rather long, dark legs; bill also stocky and relatively dark but with somewhat paler base

• In flight, pale mid-wing panel created by pearly grey greater coverts