Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans

This 1st winter Caspian Gull was photographed on a rubbish tip near Bochum, Germany on 9 January 2002. As often with CG it was more busy 'threatening' other gulls than feeding.

In this picture the typical features of (1st winter) CG are visible. The head is almost white as are the upper tailcoverts (above a broad tailband). The lower scapulars show a fine grey streak and an inconspicuous anchor. The greater wingcoverts are almost unmarked and show a pale tip. The inner primaries form a pale wingpanel. The underwing is very pale in this bird, which is more obvious in the picture below.