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Relic Gull -breeding plumage ?

Relic Gull -breeding plumage ?

I was surprised to see this gull in breeding color today.  Is it a Relic Gull?
Neil

Mai Po Nature Reserve,
Hong Kong,
China.

04/02/08

Nikon D3 plus Nikon 300/f4 AFS lens


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Neil,

The small gulls are changing to breeding plumage at the season.
And I think it's a Black-headed Gull, due its bill shape.

Gary

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The wing pattern (mostly white outer primaries, black on most of the other primaries) and chocolate-brown hood indicate this is a Black-headed gull (in fact, it is other gull species that get truly black heads in breeding plumage!)

As Gary mentions, many of the gulls are now reaching breeding plumage - it's also obvious among Saunder's Gulls at this time of year.

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