I spent a week in the Muritz-region, and spent quite a few hours looking at the local gull roost. I knew Germany was a mess (gull-wise, I mean ;-)), but this visit left me puzzled, confused and a little desperate.
A large percantage of the gulls I saw were impossible or hard to identify with certainty. It undoubtly has got something to do with my ID-skills, but the gulls neither are innocent. I want to share some of the headache-birds wit you, starting with this 1CY.
I suspect this might be a cachinnans x argentatus hybrid. Primary and secundary pattern, including the apical spots on P2-4, as well as the shape of the head and bill and rather long-winged appearance indicate a caspian infuence, but the greater- and median coverts and tertials are way too chequered/marked, and the upper- and undertail look more like that of a Herring Gull. Underwings are darker than an average Caspian, but do give an overall pale impression, while the belly is brown rather than pale/white as mostly seen on juvenile Caspians.
Comments on this bird are warmly welcomed!