American Herring Gull (smithsonianus)

(last update: October 30, 2015)

Coordinators:
Amar Ayyash (US)
Bruce Mactavish (Canada)
Dave Brown (Canada)
Mars Muusse (Netherlands)

Slaty-backed Gull (schistisagus) 4th cycle (5CY), March 13 2010, Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan. Picture: Shiroto.

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Overall adult-like bird with white tail, large mirror on P10 and mirror on P9, bold primary tips and adult-like upperparts. No black on bill. Yellow iris, pink legs, and bold tertial crescents which continue at secondaries. Like adults, this bird has red gonys spot. Note brown greater primary coverts, indicating 5CY age.