Larus genei - Slender-billed Gull
Feather characters. Barbules are short (0.5-0.6 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and partly pigmented (less than 50%) internodes. Occasionally pigment is absent. Both vase-shaped and slightly thickened nodes are present. Nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (20-22 per mm). Proximal nodes are vase-shaped, they abruptly decrease in size into slightly thickened nodes distally. Villi are absent and internodes are occasionally kinked. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum. Occasionally prongs are asymmetric.
Field characters. Size 42 cm. Weight 281 g (223-350) (Dunning, 1993). A slender gull with a long, coral-red bill and erect stance with long neck and down-tilted head with flat forehead; no dark hood in summer plumage. Plumage white with pinkish wash on lower chest and belly; back and wing pale blue-grey. Legs are bright blood-red. Wing-pattern in flight similar to that of Black-headed Gull. Juvenile plumage rapidly lost; first winter generally resembles adult, but with greyish marks on ear-coverts and crown, grey-brown upperparts, and black terminal bar on tail; bill and legs paler than in adult.
Voice. As Black-headed Gull, but mellower, deeper and somewhat nasal.
Distribution. A rather rare breeding bird for most of the region, but locally common near the Black Sea; mainly resident, but makes limited south- and westbound movements. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Breeds on sheltered lowland shores and off-coast islands, often in association with terns. Prefers shallow tidal waters of land-locked seas or estuaries; outside breeding season largely coastal.
Food. Predominantly fish and small crustaceans, caught by up-ending or surface-plunging; also insects and earthworms, especially during the breeding season.