Western Gull? Port Twonsend WA USA (1 Viewer)

BodyResults

Well-known member

• Feb 23, 2011

• #1

Is this a Western Gull?

I'm thinking this because
Looks large and stocky especially in picture 1
heavy bill with red
headshape
wing coloring

Thanks
Doug

 

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lou salomon

the birdonist

• Feb 23, 2011

• #2

this is another 'olympic'. note dark grey instead of black wingtip. mantle shade also a bit too pale for a pure western. heavy bill and bulky built of western gull is shared by GWG, although there's some variation in both. red on bill tip (lower mandible) is shown in almost all adult large gulls, especially in alternate plumage.

 

BodyResults

Well-known member

• Feb 23, 2011

• #3

Thanks.

I wonder how many more times I'll post an Olympic Gull thinking it is a Western?

 

lou salomon

the birdonist

• Feb 23, 2011

• #4

the thing is, around seattle you get more hybrids than pure westerns...

 

Laruslister

Well-known member

• Feb 23, 2011

• #5

If you look along the upperwing you can see individual dark spots in the grey which indicate it isn't a pure bird.
If its any help Glaucous-winged wing colour is Kodak grey 4 to 7 rarely 8.Hybrids are 7 to 8.5 ,Western are 9.5 to 10.5 wiht rare individuals either side of this 9 or 11.
Ther is little overlap in colour between the three.