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Gull identification help needed (Warsaw, Poland) (3 Viewers)
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Alexander Stöhr
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Hello,
welcome to Birdforum!
For ageing of this 3cy bird please note
And more? As you know, large Gulls are one of the most difficult ID challenges due to large variation, various immature plumages and hybrids (Poland is one location where this has to be considered).
There are many books and papers and also helpful threads here on BF, and we have some of the most experiencend people as members.
With a pale eye, narrow and distinct wavy bars on the tertials and coverts I think its a Herring Gull.
But quite long bill and displaced eye (not centered on an rounded head like in an ID-friendly Herring Gull - yes, they exsist!) might indicate Caspian Gull influence.
Here is a 2cy Caspian Gull for comparison, its about 1 year younger than your bird (Potsdam, NE-Germany, 30.03.2025)
edit: or is it a 3cy by white tail-base and much grey back, despite black bill?
A 3cy Caspian Gull (I hope ageing is correct?) (Potsdam, NE-Germany, 30.03.2025)
But as said, its a real tough ID question, so better wait for confirmation or correction.
welcome to Birdforum!
For ageing of this 3cy bird please note
- uniform grey back coupled with extensive immature markings on the tertials and coverts
- a largely yellow bill and a pale iris against an often darker eyed 2cy bird
And more? As you know, large Gulls are one of the most difficult ID challenges due to large variation, various immature plumages and hybrids (Poland is one location where this has to be considered).
There are many books and papers and also helpful threads here on BF, and we have some of the most experiencend people as members.
With a pale eye, narrow and distinct wavy bars on the tertials and coverts I think its a Herring Gull.
But quite long bill and displaced eye (not centered on an rounded head like in an ID-friendly Herring Gull - yes, they exsist!) might indicate Caspian Gull influence.
Here is a 2cy Caspian Gull for comparison, its about 1 year younger than your bird (Potsdam, NE-Germany, 30.03.2025)
edit: or is it a 3cy by white tail-base and much grey back, despite black bill?
A 3cy Caspian Gull (I hope ageing is correct?) (Potsdam, NE-Germany, 30.03.2025)
But as said, its a real tough ID question, so better wait for confirmation or correction.
Last edited:
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