American Herring Gull (smithsonianus)

(last update: October 30, 2015)

American Herring Gull (smithsonianus) 4th cycle (4CY), September 16 2015, Cleveland, Ohio. Picture: Victor Fazio III.

In many respects adult-like, now the new wing-coverts have been replaced for grey feathers, like the complete scapular region. Added to this: very adult-like pattern on fresh central and inner primaries, with sharply demarcated black sub-terminal bands. Almost all tail-feathers have been renewed, and they appear snowy white without any black markings. The bill appears immature, as it has a pink base and extensive black at the gonys angle. So far, all clearly advocates 4th cycle...

But then these retained, retarded 3rd generation secondaries with all brown centres, and the retained P10 which is faded brown without a mirror. An exceptional bird.