glaucescens Glaucous-winged Gull & Western Gull occidentalis

(last update: 22-12-2016 )

Coordinators:
Alvaro Jaramillo
John Cant
Mars Muusse

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1cy Oct
1cy Nov
1cy Dec

2cy Jan
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3cy Jan
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4cy / sub-ad Jan
4cy / sub-ad Feb
4cy / sub-ad March
4cy / sub-ad April
4cy / sub-ad May
4cy / sub-ad June
4cy / sub-ad July
4cy / sub-ad Aug
4cy / sub-ad Sept
4cy / sub-ad Oct
4cy / sub-ad Nov
4cy / sub-ad Dec

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Western Gull occidentalis sub-adult, December 18 2016, San Leandro, Alameda Cty., California, USA. Picture: John Cant.

Probably retarded 3rd cycle bird. Ageing can be hard, as some Western Gull retain a very retarded plumage in 3rd cycle, including brown primaries lacking a mirror on P10 and largely brown wing-covert panel. Even the secondaries may be very 2nd gen-like, with dark centres and thin white tips. See e.g. this banded bird 1176-08623.

This bird may well be another retarded 3rd cycle, with the secondaries typical for 3rd gen: bold white tips and grey centres. However, note almost all black bill and faded brown primaries, better matching 2nd cycle birds.