Little Gull Larus minutus, Pagham Lagoon, March 2008 (David Cooper)

The World’s smallest Gull is often considered a ‘three year Gull’ and as such this individual can therefore be aged an adult. However, birds such as this, showing markedly contrasting pale grey underwing coverts are probably third-winter birds (see Olsen and Larsson 2003).

Little Gull Larus minutus, Pagham Lagoon, March 2008 (David Cooper)

Whilst the primary coverts of the upperwings lacked any dark streaks, a careful examination of images does reveal the basal three quarters of the outer web of p10 is blackish. This is also associated with birds that are probably third-winter birds.

Little Gull Larus minutus, Pagham Lagoon, March 2008 (David Cooper)

This individual’s cute expression - attributed to its largely white face contrasting with the grey upperparts - invited comparison with Ross’s Gull but unfortunately that’s where the similarities ended!