28th January 2017 - Topsham
Well this one stuck out like the proverbial. A distinctly dark Common Gull and thoughts naturally turn to heinei*. But there's more to it than a dark mantle of course; first, here's the bird in question.
![]() |
Common Gulls (and a BH Gull) - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() |
Common Gulls (and a BH Gull) - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() |
Common Gulls (and BH Gulls) - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() |
Common Gull - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() |
Common Gull - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() |
Common Gull - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
![]() | |||
Common Gull - 28/1/2017 Topsham |
Differences between heinei and canus (my interpretation of the bird in question in italics):
- heinei averages larger and longer winged, though with much overlap,
impossible to tell though it didn't look significantly larger
- heinei has darker upperparts (some approaching pale graellsii?), though some overlap with canus
certainly darker than nearby 'normal' canus
- winter heinei white-headed with only fine dark spots/streaks concentrated on hind neck,
head and neck no different to 'normal' canus
- pale iris in many heinei,
appeared to be dark
- bill and legs of heinei tend to be brighter yellow.
legs did appear a little brighter yellow, bill apparently identical to nearby 'normal' canus.
The important features of the wing are:
- heinei has a deep black subterminal band on P5; canus only thin or broken band,
broad black band on P5 on the left wing, a little narrower and almost broken on the right wing
- heinei has black all the way to PC on P8; canus only 50-75% of length,
black on P8 almost reaches PC on outer web, on inner web about 85% of length
- heinei has black on P7 outer web more than 80% of length; canus less than 50%,
black on P7 outer web hard to judge but I estimate about 75%
- heinei has long black 'bayonet' on P6 for approx. 65% of length; on canus mostly 20-40% of length,
black 'bayonet' for just under 50% of length.
There's clearly too much wrong with this bird to claim it as heinei but equally it seems to show features at odds with a 'normal' canus. Perhaps the best that can be said is that the darkness of the mantle and some features of the primaries indicate a possible canus-heinei intergrade. Once I've had a chance to read the DB paper I'll come back to this.
Thanks to Mike Langman and others who've already commented on photos posted on the twitter. More opinions welcome as ever.
* Larus canus heinei breeds in Russia from Moscow area east to Lena River in central Siberia; it winters in SE Europe, Black and Caspian Seas, also China and Japan.
Great bit of research Tim and links too, thanks. Can't add anymore I think you've covered it. look forward to you nailing a classic heinei.. It is always good to see your great photos and educational deliberations.
ReplyDeletecheers Mike, appreciate it.
DeleteNice post. It is really interesting. Thanks for sharing the post!
ReplyDeletefridge online shopping
refrigerator online shopping
refrigerator price online
online fridge price
Washing Machine Sale
washing machine online offers
Online Shopping
Article very interisting, thanks for sharing information
ReplyDeleteObat Diabetes Melitus Alami
Pengobatan Luka Gangren Tanpa Amputasi
Obat Ampuh Atasi Tukak Lambung
Obat Gabagen Secara Optimal
Obat Ampuh Atasi Rematik
Pengobatan Ampuh Atasi Cacingan
Thanks for sharing the information
ReplyDeleteObat Kista Rahim
Pengobatan Untuk Mengangkat Kista Payudara
Obat Atasi Ginjal Bengkak
Pengobatan Untuk Mengatasi Radang Amandel
Pengobatan Radang Paru-Paru Basah (Pneumonia)
Cara Mengobati Vertigo Sampai Tuntas
Hello Everybody,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Mrs Sharon Sim. I live in Singapore and i am a happy woman today? and i told my self that any lender that rescue my family from our poor situation, i will refer any person that is looking for loan to him, he gave me happiness to me and my family, i was in need of a loan of $250,000.00 to start my life all over as i am a single mother with 3 kids I met this honest and GOD fearing man loan lender that help me with a loan of $250,000.00 SG. Dollar, he is a GOD fearing man, if you are in need of loan and you will pay back the loan please contact him tell him that is Mrs Sharon, that refer you to him. contact Dr Purva Pius, call/whats-App Contact Number +918929509036 via email:(urgentloan22@gmail.com) Thank you.
Nice post
ReplyDeletereally wonderfull!!!
I hope this will better for everyone
here i want to say that, for more information i think you should go to Microsoft Bellen