ML646618110

观察细节

Originally put this down as 2nd cycle Iceland Gull, but asked for feedback. Per Jeremy Nance: I can’t judge the shape or obviously the wing pattern, but the bill is rather stout and glaucous-gull-like. It’s a second-cycle bird based on the fine vermiculation on coverts and rounded primaries. The primaries are too pale for an AHGU this time of year (no fading yet), and the pale edging would be at the extreme end or out of range for AHGU. Wondering if it could be an AHGU x GLGU hybrid. Per Amar Ayyash: It could be a hybrid with Glaucous influence. The bill does look thick, although I'm not sure if this is a function of behavior. If you observed it while it was preening, the image could be showing the bill slightly open (which can be difficult to see, but zoom in on the cutting edge with the original file). I'd want to rule out a big Iceland before a hybrid. I've seen some Thayer's types in Illinois that have this messy, mocha-chocolate-gray, aspect to their plumage, with a sharp bicolored bill in 2nd cycle.