Caspian Gull

Caspian Gulls are observed several times in Mandal, and here are some photos of the last Caspian Gull seen in Mandal 25. October 2011. The bird stayed in Mandalselva several days. This is a second year bird (2cy)

The white head is diagnostic as well as the white tail visible at the second photo. The wing pattern is also important to distinguish Caspian from Yellow-legged Gull.

Uncommon Gull plumage

Yellow-legged Gull and Caspian Gull are two seldom seen Gulls in Norway. The first six observations of this species are all from Mandal, and Mandal still produce more observations of Yellow-legged Gull than any other place in Norway. There are also several observations of Caspian Gull from Mandal. Inge Flesjå is our local expert on these Gulls. THe bird on this photo was first believed to be Yellow-legged Gull, but in fact it is Lesser Black-backed Gull.

                                                         The same size as European Herring Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull. The bird stands out among the other 1K birds. 

 The whitish breast and head are among the field marks seen at this bird that made us first believe that this was Yellow-legged Gull.