ML136058731

Age and sex

Adult, Unknown sex - X

Observation details

Intermediate size between Herring and Ring-bill, but closer to the former. Short, petite bill with dark eye and very round head creating a dove-like appearance. Very dark, streaked head down to the upper breast. Small red gonydeal spot and no black markings on the bill. A rather dark mantle shade but I did not note how relatively dark it was compared to Herring and Ringers in the field, pictures may be deceiving. Very pink legs. Herring Gull is the most similar species, which I am mainly ruling out by head shape, eye color, and bill structure. It is possible that this is a diminutive Herring with a dark eye so I have reached out to others with more experience for comment. Unfortunately, I was not able to get views or photos of the underside of the primaries to clinch the ID. Finally, in one photo the head shape appears more angular when the bird is at alert, I don't know if this is a point in favor of Herring or within the expected range of Thayer's.

Technical information

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