From Opus

Larus schistisagus

Alternative Names: Kamchatka Gull, Pacific Gull.

Photo by rb stern
Photo taken: Thand.

Identification

L. 27 inches (68.5 cm) Slate-gray back, upper wings, dark outer primaries separated from mantle by row of white spots, underside of primaries is grey, broad white trailing edge to wings, white head, belly and tail.. Bright pink legs, feet. Yellow eyes with red orbital ring. Yellow bill has red spot near tip.

Immature: Brown. Immature is similar to Great Black-backed Gull, but paler.

Similar Species

The wings and back are slightly darker than those of the Western Gull.

It is similar in appearance to the Western Gull and the Glaucous-winged Gull.

Distribution

It is a common coastal breeding species in northeastern Asia, wintering southward to Japan, Korea and China. Frequently wanders to the western Alaska shorelines. Now annual in northeastern North America with records in many states.

Taxonomy

Habitat

Coastal areas.

Behaviour

Diet: Forager and a scavenger

External Links

• View more images of this species on Orientalbirdimages