Black-headed gull ID NJ (1 Viewer)

[NJBirder12]

Saw this guy in Manasquan today and there have been black-headed gulls confirmed there the last few days. This bird looks right to me but looking for confirmation that it's a black-headed gull.


Thanks

 

[RafaelMatias]

It is one indeed, a 1st winter bird! I believe this should be rather exciting to you in NJ?

 

[lou salomon]

yes, it's a 1st winter Black-headed Gull

 

[NJBirder12]

It is one indeed, a 1st winter bird! I believe this should be rather exciting to you in NJ?

It is!! Thanks so much!! Lifer!! I think the other report was an adult so there could be a few in the area.

 

[Nutcracker]

Just like the ones I see here every day

 

[Microtus]

I agree, Black-headed Gull immature.

 

[KC Foggin]

Are you guys sure it isn't an immature Laughing Gull? Black-headed Gulls aren't found here in the US.

 

[NJBirder12]

Are you guys sure it isn't an immature Laughing Gull? Black-headed Gulls aren't found here in the US.

There are laughing gulls at this inlet - just a few this time of year. The bill shape/ color combo and other features don't seem consistent in the photos I've checked out. But this is my first time seeing this particular species

 

[Microtus]

KC, I've seen Black-headed Gulls in four different states and the District of Columbia, and even found one myself. Laughing Gulls have a different wing pattern, lacking the white wedge on the upperwing.

 

[njlarsen]

This would have to be either Black-headed or Bonapartes. As a non-expert, I had to check a little but I agree Black-headed (which I have only seen east of the Atlantic)

Niels

 

[tom baxter]

Are you guys sure it isn't an immature Laughing Gull? Black-headed Gulls aren't found here in the US.

They are regular (although scarce) visitors to the northern latitudes of the Atlantic coast, as well as the Great Lakes. There are a few places in NJ where they are reliably seen every year.

 

[Joern Lehmhus]

Yes, a blackheaded gull- not that the confirmation is necessary, but what i find interesting is that there even have been breeding records in North America, mainly eastern Canada:

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sora.unm.edu

 

[NJBirder12]

Confirmed by multiple observers and on ebird. There are actually 2 in the area!! So cool. Thanks for all the info!!