ML615436723

Observation details

Dark mantled bird, nearly as dark as wingtips. Slightly larger than Ring-billed Gull and smaller than Herring Gull. Mostly black bill with lighter (yellow?) tip and small lighter portion at base. The mostly white head and neck offset with brown streaking and darker markings near eye. Gray/flesh colored legs. Viewed for about ten minutes from 50 meters away. Seemed like a third cycle or nearly mature bird progressing into next cycle with fresh mantle and flight feathers. Possible L. fuscus or more probable a hybrid considering combination of molt and bill color; photographs attached.

Additional species

• Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis
• American Herring Gull Larus smithsonianus