- Larus michahellis
Identification
ID discussion on how to distinguish Caspian and Yellow-legged Gull. [[1]]
Grey back, black wing tips with few white spots, red spot on the bill as adults, red ring around the eye.
First-year birds have a dark bill and eyes, pinkish grey legs, dark flight feathers and a well-defined black band on the tail. By their second winter, birds are essentially feathered like adults, apart from the patterned feathers remaining on the wing coverts. However, their billtips are black, their eyes still dark, and the legs are a light yellow.
Distribution
Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
Taxonomy
There are two subspecies of the Yellow-legged Gull: michahellis - breeds in the Mediterranean, and atlantis, - adjacent Atlantic shores.
Habitat
Fields and coasts.
Behaviour
They are scavengers and hunt suitable small prey in fields or on the coast, or rob plovers or lapwings of their catches.
They breed in colonies. The nest is a mound of vegetation built on the ground or on cliff ledges. 3 eggs are laid and are incubated for 27-31 days; the young fledge after 35-40 days.
External Links
BirdForum TV video In flight by Theo Mamais
