This possible first-winter eastern Caspian
Gull (Larus cachinnans ) was photographed by Martin
Reid in Bahrain in early March. It could be a barabensis
or even heuglini (the width of the tail band fits the latter
form better), but I feel that the paleness of the inner primaries,
pattern of the greater secondary coverts, and head/bill shape
are against heuglini. Choosing easterncach.
over barabensis is a matter of degree - the paleness of
the mantle and apparent retention of most juv. wing coverts lean
me towards cachinnans:
- but the underwing looks rather dark for cachinnans (although
I suspect the the eastermost birds average much more dark below
that the western populations); note that all but the outer 3 primaries
are very pale from below, and even the outer three Ps are only
a medium-brown tone; the legs look rather short for cachinnans,
and from below this bird looks much better for a darkish heuglini.
Whatever this bird is, does it provide a clue to the mystery
Fort Worth bird?:
