Yellow-legged Gull

Further to my previous comment another authority is now saying that: Caspian Gull is a name applied to the gull taxon Larus (argentatus) cachinnans, a member of the Herring Gull/Lesser Black-backed Gull complex. Breeds around Caspian and Black seas. Caspian Gull is included by some authorities in Yellow-legged Gull. The scientific name for the species would then be Larus cachinnans. Subspecies of the Yellow-legged Gull: L. c. michahellis Breeds in the Mediterranean L. c. atlantis Breeds on Atlantic shores adjacent to the Mediterranean. Clear as mud!!!

HansNew, you have highlighted what has long been a problem with gulls (and other birds) and their ID. Firstly, many birds have different Common Names in different countries, even just with English names, which causes a lot of confusion. This should have been sorted out with scientific names, but in some cases they got it wrong. Secondly, their are several major organisations around the world which deal with classification, and they don't always talk with each other, and when they do they don't always agree! Now, many gulls used to be just plain old herring Gulls with lots of regional sub-species, so they all had the same scientific name for the first two names, then each sub-species got a third name! Still with me? Now, again, DNA sampling is being used for IDs and lots of species are being moved about, some sub-species becoming full species and getting new names. Somewhere along the line the Yellow-legged Gull was separated from a sub-species of the Herring Gull and became a new species with one authority while the same happened with the Caspian Gull with the result that both have now been separated from each other but ended up with the same scientific name from different authorities, so some say the Yellow-legged is cachinnans while others say it is michahelis, while I have another book which says it is "Larus (cachinnans) michahelis". Many references still say that the exact status of this bird is still controversial and I think that is where we have to leave it. I hope this is almost clear to you, and anyone else who reads it.

HansNew, I have added a link to the BirdforumOpus ID site I use which will explain the differences and it confirms it is indeed a 1st year juvenile.

Thanks Emma. HansNew, I think the gull you are referring to, with a dark ring on the bill and pink legs and feet is probably a 1st year juvenile but will do some more research on that.

No, some are youngsters and it takes them 4 years to reach adult plumage and even the adults change plumage in the winter.