Hi Nicholas
I agree generally, and heuglini was my initial reaction, and I was happy with
those thoughts last night when I had time to look at literature / photos.
I have seen a lot of both L.h.heuglini and L.h.taimyrensis in the field and the
only issue I had with taimyrensis was that it seems very dark. I think that
heuglini is typically darker grey/black than taimyrensis and there is normally
more contrast between the darker primaries and general back / mantle, covet
colour. Whilst heuglini is not as black as Baltic Gull (where there is little
or no contrast) it is often only a subtle contrast on heuglini (which would fit
this bird perhaps?). That said, I have not seen the bird and light plays a
major role in this perception of shades of grey.The bill size and shape on both
is quite variable although typically slighter on heglini (i think!?). I think
structurally the bird is too heavy for a L.f fuscus (Baltic Gull).
I won't be going to Broome to look at it though! Too much to do in SEQ!
Rob Morris
Brisbane, Australia
> Date: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 15:14:58 -0800
> From:
> To:
> CC: ; ;
>
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Lesser Black-backed Gull spp Baltic Gull in Broome
>
> Hi all,
>
> For those who have already booked their flights (not me): Following up on
> Mike's comment regarding the ID of the bird, Martin Gottschling and I had a
> look at the available pictures. Here our summary at this point:
>
> Overall, looks like a bird of the Lesser Black-back complex and Kelp can be
> ruled out.
>
> Too pale and too stocky/heavy for fuscus fuscus.
>
> Moult: Completely old primaries, most secondaries seem to be new – primaries
> will be moulted next. Moult pattern fits Heuglin’s.
>
> The relatively dark iris and the slightly drooping bill could speak for
> taimyrensis.
>
> So our conclusion as of this point would be a likely Larus heuglini
> taimyrensis versus a possible Larus heuglini heuglini.
>
> Looking forward to seeing more pictures after the weekend!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Nikolas
>
> ----------------
> Nikolas Haass
>
> Sydney, NSW
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Nikolas Haass <>
> To: Mike Carter <>; ""
> <>; Jeff Davies <>
> Cc: George Swann of Kimberley Birdwatching
> <>; Tony Palliser <>;
> Jim Allen <>
> Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 8:20 PM
> Subject: Re: [Birding-Aus] Lesser Black-backed Gull spp Baltic Gull in Broome
>
>
> Hi Mike, Jeff et al.
>
> Good stuff - that's exciting! Heuglin's is certainly an important ID
> contender - although it looks more like graellsii and intermedius than
> fuscus. The short description certainly points towards fuscus! I am
> definitely not going to 'tick' it but I would love to see the photos. Are any
> photos online?
>
> Cheers,
>
> Nikolas
>
> ----------------
> Nikolas Haass
>
> Sydney, NSW
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Mike Carter <>
> To:
> Cc: George Swann of Kimberley Birdwatching
> <>; Tony Palliser <>;
> Jim Allen <>
> Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2013 4:09 PM
> Subject: [Birding-Aus] Lesser Black-backed Gull spp Baltic Gull in Broome
>
> The twitchers among you that so wish, foolish or bold enough to take our word
> for it (that is Jeff Davies and I), should start making preparations to go to
> Broome to see the Black-backed Gull currently frequenting the rubbish tip.
> Based on two photos received from Jim Allen and three from George Swann, we
> believe that it is the nominate Baltic race of Lesser Black-backed Gull. We
> have requested other views. It is a very black-backed, elongated slender gull
> with yellow legs, smallish head, relatively slender bill with a small gonys.
> We have considered female Kelp but believe it to be too slight in build.
> Harder to eliminate is Heuglin's Gull but we consider this individual to be
> too dark on the upperparts for that species.
> There are as yet no accepted records of this taxon for Australia but several
> of us consider that a bird photographed previously in Broome by an overseas
> visitor was this species and there is a banding recovery from Cocos (Keeling)
> Islands. Thus the species is on the Supplementary List.
>
> Mike Carter
> 30 Canadian Bay Road
> Mount Eliza VIC 3930
> Tel (03) 9787 7136
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