Gull - Svalbard (1 Viewer)

AndyS56

Well-known member

• Jan 16, 2021

• #1

I'm reviewing some older photos, and had noted this as an Ivory Gull at the time. Now I'm not so sure. The eye ring and bill look more like a Lesser black-backed, but it does look very white. Seen on a trip to the Norwegian Arctic, June/July 2017

All help and suggestions appreciated.
TIA

Andy

 

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ryckfour

Well-known member

• Jan 16, 2021

• #2

Glaucous gull - fairly common breeding species on Svalbard. Bulky, large gull with white wing tips.

 

AndyS56

Well-known member

• Jan 16, 2021

• #3

Many thanks.

 

S

stevethehydra

Well-known member

• Jan 16, 2021

• #4

What makes it Glaucous rather than Iceland? This seems a compact bird, not as lanky/angular as a Glauc, to me...

 

ryckfour

Well-known member

• Jan 16, 2021

• #5

Must admit I thought twice but head is too ‘strong’ for Iceland for me. Also, Glauc is a common breeder in Svalbard whereas Iceland is pretty uncommon in the summer months.

Happy for one of the gull experts on here to tell my if I’m wrong though (I generally only see one or two ‘white wing’ gulls a year so I’m a bit rusty).

 

lou salomon

the birdonist

• Jan 17, 2021

• #6

bill is too strong and too orange for an iceland gull. it's an adult glaucous gull allright, maybe a female on structure.

 

AndyS56

Well-known member

• Jan 17, 2021

• #7

Thanks all. Your knowledge is outstanding 👏👏