Variation in Icelandic European Herring Gulls

Five individuals showing range of wingtip variation. Many birds suggest hybridization with Glaucous Gulls. Heimaey in the Westman Islands just off the south coast of Iceland on 28 June 2016. The Herring Gulls in Iceland are believed to be Larus argentatus argenteus. Herring Gulls colonized Iceland in the 1920s and now breed all over the island except in the West Fjords and Breidafordur (Johann Oli Hilmarsson in Icelandic Birding Guide 2011).

In Heimaey near where we docked was a fish processing plant, which attracted gulls and Northern Fulmars. It was a great opportunity to look for variation in the Herring Gulls. I was on a Worldwide Quest tour of Iceland: Please click link here.

 

Wingtip patterns often suggest Kumlien's or Thayer's Gulls. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Two extremes in wingtip patterns and pigmentation. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Yellow tinge to legs and feet. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Pigmentation mainly on outer webs. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Another with minimal markings in the primaries. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Thayer's-like pattern on 9th and 10th primaries. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

More wingtip variation. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Another variation in wingtip pattern. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

More Herring Gull-like primary pattern. Heimaey in the Westman Islands, Iceland on 28 June 2016.

 

Video of Icelandic Herring Gulls showing wingtip variation flying around at Heimaey in Iceland