Western Gull - Tommy DeBardeleben
Report

Contributor

Date

Location

Glendale Recharge Ponds
Maricopa, Arizona, United States
Media from this location Illustrated Checklist
Map
Map Coordinates: 33.5242237, -112.286582
Age
Not specified
Sex
Not specified

Observation details

In this breeding plumage, the Western Gull and Slaty-backed Gull are the only possible birds, but Slaty-backed has never been recorded in Arizona. Both birds have pink legs, rather thick and heavy bills (Western heavier), and both also have broad tertials and a drooping "white skirt" (Sibley) on the secondaries. As shown in the pictures, Western usually has a darker iris (sometimes clear however), while in Slaty-backed it is usually clear to dirty yellow. But based upon these photos, what really nails this down as a Western is the underwing in flight, which has more visible black from below than a Slaty-backed. Slaty-backed would also have noticeable white subterminal spots, something that Western does not display as shown in these pictures. Very Rare: 3rd Arizona record.

Technical information

Model
VideoCam Suite
Dimensions
701 pixels x 398 pixels
Original file size
118.33 KB