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Slaty-backed Gull
jmorlan

Slaty-backed Gull (Larus schistisagus)

This is a second cycle bird showing some dark mantle feathers, pale eye and pale bill base. This rather bulky, large gull species is endemic to the Northwest Pacific Ocean. It is a rarity in North America but difficulty in field identification makes its status problematic. This photo conveys their rather dumpy, thick-necked, heavy-chested look. Immatures come in a bewildering variety of plumages. Many of the first cycle birds we saw would likely not be identified as Slaty-backed if seen in North America. In particular some individuals may be confused with various Glaucous-winged Gull hybrids including Glaucous-winged X Herring and Glaucous-winged X Western.
Location
Choshi--Choshi Port, Chiba Prefecture, Japan.
Date taken
9 February 2019
Scientific name
Larus schistisagus
Equipment used
Canon PowerShot SX60 HS
Staff member
Opus Editor
Supporter
Another nice find for you Joe..... and a super picture you've got of this gull too.

Very well done my friend.
 

Media information

Category
Asia, Australia & Pacific Islands
Added by
jmorlan
Date added
View count
30
Comment count
3

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