Unusual 3cy 'white-winged' gull - 'Viking'?

[richard lowe]

This odd looking presumed 3cy 'white-winged' gull was videod at Cotham Tip, near Newark, Nottinghamshire, England on 3rd February 2017.

In flight it looked like an Iceland-type, with evenly pale primaries and no strong contrasts in the plumage. On the ground it was small-to-average Herring Gull in size.The bill looked too long and deep for an Iceland, more like that of a smallish Herring Gull and was mostly dark with an obvious pale tip. The primary projection beyond the tail was slightly greater than the bill length i.e. more 'Iceland' than 'Glaucous'; the eye looked dark in the field but 'mid brown' on the video-grabs; some adult-type grey feathers were present on the mantle and scapulars. Initial impressions suggested 'Kumlien's' but subsequent examination of video footage raised serious doubts. (See video-grabs below.)

I feel that this has to be a hybrid of some sort as it doesn't match typical Iceland or Kumlien's but what combination? 'Viking' Gull (Herring/Glaucous) seems the only possibility but if so, this bird doesn't appear typical.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

Kind regards to all, Richard Lowe (Derbyshire, England.)

[mantelmeeuw]

Hi Richard,
Guess we discussed this one in Bulgaria, last February.
Can't think of anything better than Viking too...