Yellow-legged Gull

Description:

A large Gull, common to Adriatic Sea and its coasts. Here, a juvenile or a first year bird - like its cousin, the Herring Gull the Yellow-legged Gull goes through a four age groups during its development; each age group lasting a year. First-year birds have a pale but molted body and head and a well-defined black band on the tail. This juvenile phase is easily recognized by a dark bill and dark eyes, as well as pinkish-grey legs.

Habitat:

This large gull is a native, resident and common species to Mediterranean region, its sea and coasts; but sometimes can be seen as far inland as Geneva lake in Switzerland. It prefers wetlands, and can be seen on sea coast, around lakes, rivers, ponds or marshes. Here observed flying over Visovac lake coast in Krka NP (Croatia). At this spot, the Krka NP, Krka river forms a series of waterfalls and lakes; it is surrounded by a magnificent dense broad-leaved forest, and its shallow coastal waters are rich in vegetation.

Notes:

Later on, by their second winter, young gulls would be essentially feathered like adults, save for the patterned feathers remaining on the wing coverts. However, their bills would become pale yellow but would keep their bill tips black, their eyes would remain dark.