These first-basic Yellow-legged Gulls (Larus
michahellis) were photographed by Chris Gibbins at
Palma, Majorca, Spain on December 1999; Chris writes about this
first bird: "A very striking individual. Note the solid bill;
it is rather short, robust and has a marked gonys. There is a
marked contrast between the bird's black bill and its white head.
At this time of year, many first winter michahellis have
a contrasting, extensive yellow tip to the bill. On some, the
bill appears hook-tipped. Also note the rather convex forehead
and square nape (individuals in resting mode). The bird's upperparts
are classically three toned, with (i) the mantle and scapulars
showing numerous grey feathers, (ii) any unmoulted juvenile wing
coverts looking worn and brown, and (iii) black primaries. This
three-toned appearance is particularly noticeable at distance.
By December, the juvenile tertials of michahellis are rather
worn (some would have already been replaced) and so are of little
use in identification.":
and here is a slightly more heavily-marked individual:
