Pale Larus michahellis 1cy

Gaviota patiamarilla Larus michahellis michahellis. Puerto de Málaga. July 27, 2010.

This bird is in the limit of the palest range of Mediterranean Yellow-Legged Gull. Such a white tertials are very uncommon (very Herring-like). Greater coverts are mostly white, with scarce brown marks. Primary white tips.

Tail pattern is typical for Med michahellis.

A single scapular is moulted on the right side. Postjuvenal (or first prealternate) moult rapidly extends to head, neck, breast and underparts. Med YLG develop a dark mask around the eye very soon in the summer. Whitish underparts in July is also a good clue for michahellis.