American Herring Gull (smithsonianus)

(last update: October 30, 2015)

Slaty-backed Gull (schistisagus) 2nd cycle (2CY), October 15 2012, Nemuro, Hokkaido, Japan. Picture: Shiroto.

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Bird difficult to age, as white tips on central primaries may indicate 3rd gen feathers, while marbled pattern on lower tertials and the few visible secondaries probably better fit 2nd gen feathers. 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.