Larus argentatus ssp.
First winter
January 5th. 2000
Ila, Trondheim, Sör-Tröndelag, Norway
This bird drew our attention when flushed, revealing its almost completely black tail, dark tail coverts and underparts; all features suitable for smithsonianus. However, the moulted upperparts, the greater covert pattern and slender appearance indicate argentatus. Such dark tailed first winter birds are rare in Norway.
Posted 23.01.2003
