Herring Gull (argentatus & argenteus)

(last update: February 11, 2013)

Slaty-backed Gull schistisagus 2nd cycle (3CY), January 02 2010, Choshi, Japan. Picture: Chris Gibbins.

Bird in paler end of the spectrum. Some scapulars and MC show the adult upperpart grey tone, which is as in Lesser Black-backed Gull. Tail largely dark and pattern on wing-coverts very simple, plain pale brown with dark shaft or dark triangle centre. Note strong bill and very central placed eye in the head. Pale iris and faded brown primaries.