Thayer's Gull (thayeri)

(last update: January 22, 2013)

Nelson's Gull hyperboreus x smithsonianus adult, January 03 2010, Superior Landfill, MI. Picture: Karl Bardon.

This presumed Nelson's Gull (Herring Gull X Glaucous Gull hybrid) was photographed at the Superior Landfill on 1 January 2010 and 3 January 2010 but I have yet to see it in Minnesota. The overall size, mantle color, eye color, bill shape, etc. are clearly that of a Glaucous Gull but the gray markings on the dorsal outer primaries are a clear indication of hybridization. Note the similarity in these markings to a Kumlien's Iceland Gull.
Some similarity to Thayer's Gull, but HYBRID GLAUCOUS-WINGED GULL X AMERICAN HERRING GULL larger overall with longer and stouter bill, but plumage can overlap with Thayer’s. Some presumed hybrids resemble Thayer’s closely and may be difficult to identify without known species for size and structure comparison, but most hybrids are bulkier with larger bills.