Gull ID's please.

[Little Sparrow]

The photo's were taken over New Year in the Algarve.

Pic 1. Lesser Black-backed Gull ?
Pics 2 & 3. Yellow-legged Gull ?

[MIKE THROWER]

You've got it, Nice pics

[Little Sparrow]

Thanks for the confirmation Mike! Very much appreciated

[Dave Appleton]

I think they're all Yellow-legged Gulls. Notice how the first one's back is in shade but it's body is lit - this creates the impression that it's darker backed/winged than it really is. Structurally it looks like Yellow-legged Gull with its heavy breast.

[Maggie28]

Originally Posted by Dave Appleton

I think they're all Yellow-legged Gulls. Notice how the first one's back is in shade but it's body is lit - this creates the impression that it's darker backed/winged than it really is. Structurally it looks like Yellow-legged Gull with its heavy breast.

Not noticed before if it's a seasonal thing but do the Yellow Legged Gulls have that dark part on its upper beak?
The other two don't.

[Dennis]

First shot is definately a Lesser-black backed, two nice shots of the Yellow-leggeg gull as well

[Dave Appleton]

Originally Posted by Maggie28

Not noticed before if it's a seasonal thing but do the Yellow Legged Gulls have that dark part on its upper beak?
The other two don't.

Yes, for sure, Yellow-legged Gulls can have the dark mark. I'm not sure to what extent it's seasonal and to what extent it's age-related, but it certainly can be the latter - the dark mark is an immature feature that can be retained in young adults; I think full adults can also show a bit of a dark mark in winter, but I'm not 100% sure on that. Here are some examples of other people's photos of adult-like birds with dark on the bill: example 1; example 2; example 3.

Originally Posted by Dennis

First shot is definately a Lesser-black backed, two nice shots of the Yellow-leggeg gull as well

Admittedly I don't always give my reasons when I'm providing an ID I don't expect to be controversial, but if it's in dispute I always think it's helpful to explain. What makes you so sure it's Lesser Black-backed? To my eyes the mantle and wings aren't dark enough for even the palest graellsii Lesser Black-backed Gull, at least when you take the shadow into account. Structurally it also looks heaps better for Yellow-legged Gull. I'm never very confident using differences in head streaking but in Yellow-legged Gull it's typically paler and finer than in Lesser Black-backed Gull - which again fits this bird exactly. I can well understand why a casual glance at the three photos might suggest 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 Yellow-legged Gulls, but once you take the shadow and other features into account I don't see much case for Lesser Black-backed. But as always, I'm happy to be corrected if there's a case to be made!

[Little Sparrow]

Thanks for your ID help Dave and Dennis. A good question you posed Maggie re: the dark mark.

I 'don't do Gulls' too often as I find them difficult despite numerous helpful pointers and photo's from our learned members on B uk. However my gut feeling was that the first bird pic was a Lesser-black Backed Gull.

[clydebirder]

It is a Lesser Black-backed Gull, the streaking on the head, dark marking on upper mandible and pale tip to bill are all features shown in winter plumage sub-adult LBBG

cheers, John

[Little Sparrow]

Originally Posted by clydebirder

It is a Lesser Black-backed Gull, the streaking on the head, dark marking on upper mandible and pale tip to bill are all features shown in winter plumage sub-adult LBBG

cheers, John

Thank you very for the pointers and ID John!