Bob,
No, it is not related to Larus relictus.
It is part of the complicated Herring/Lesser Black-backed Gull complex
(argentatus-fuscus complex). Mostly it has been treated as a subspecies of
Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans (which in turn has been treated as a subspecies
of Larus argentatus), but is probably closer related to Slaty-backed Gull (L.
schistisagus) than to Caspian Gull and the similar Baraba Gull (L. (c.)
barabensis) which in turn could be closer related to Heuglin's Gull (L.
(fuscus) heuglini) than to Caspian Gull.
Nikolas
----------------
Nikolas Haass
Sydney, NSW
----- Original Message ----
From: Robert Inglis <>
To: Birding-Aus <>
Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 8:38:03 PM
Subject: Re: Vagrant Gull
I must admit I have had a hard day, but...........
Could at least one of the higher beings (aka pelagic tragics) please tell me
in as simple terms as possible which species (or sub-species) is being
considered as the likely identity of the 'unusual' gull presently being
stalked at Cooktown?
Does the name Mongolian Gull refer to what was once considered to be a
sub-species of Relict Gull (Larus relictus)?
Or does it refer to what was once considered (and may still be for all I
know) a sub-species of Herring Gull (Larus argentatus)?
Or something else?
I have to admit I am using references which are probably scorned by the
average-and-above pelagic experts but this whole subject is getting right up
my nose and I would like to be let into the secret.
Apart from that I am having a ball thinking about all of the twitchers
braving the floods trying to add to their totals.
Cheers
Bob Inglis
Sandstone Point
Qld
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