How to Identify Gulls (1 Viewer)

[maplekong]

I guess this is another general thread about gulls. One of my biggest problems is not knowing what to make of the undersides of their wings. Is there any online (or, indeed any) guide that illustrates what they all look like from below? Birds fly, I can't

 

[delia todd]

You could have a look in The Opus - here's the article on Lesser Black-backed Gull: Lesser Black-backed Gull - BirdForum Opus

Although there aren't any images on the article showing the underwing (we may address this at some point), you can click on the Search Gallery link at the bottom and be shown many images in flight. Click on the pictures on the article to enlarge the image. If you come across a picture which you find particularly helpful, flag it up to the Editors and they will then be likely to add it.

Hopt this helps.

 

[maplekong]

Thanks a lot Delia! I just find it really annoying trying to identify gulls because I typically see them in flight, and not perched, etc. There don't seem to be a lot of photos of the underwing online either.

 

[01101001]

another juv. Gull

So what about that one - imo juv. michachellis ? (shape of bill - strong, stout, dark underwing coverts, dark upper wing coverts)

www.birdforum.net

 

[delia todd]

Thanks a lot Delia! I just find it really annoying trying to identify gulls because I typically see them in flight, and not perched, etc. There don't seem to be a lot of photos of the underwing online either.

There are loads in the Gallery, the easiest way to find them is to go into the species articles in Opus and use the Gallery search at the bottom of the page.

 

[lockbreeze926]

I'm surely not the only person who thinks there should only be three species of gull : bigger one, smaller one and black-headed one?

Would make the world much simpler.

 

[delia todd]

I'm surely not the only person who thinks there should only be three species of gull : bigger one, smaller one and black-headed one?

Would make the world much simpler.

Love it!!!

Many years ago I posted something like that but can't remember what I said now. I don't do gulls.

Or the only time I ID a young gull is if I see an adult with it.

It's great in Australia, there's really (usually) only two gulls to worry about. Silver Gull is everywhere and there's a larger Pacific Gull.

 

[maplekong]

I'm surely not the only person who thinks there should only be three species of gull : bigger one, smaller one and black-headed one?

Would make the world much simpler.

It would certainly make the world easier, but then it would be a waste of ticks

 

[Andy Adcock]

There is far more to Gull ID than just underwing patterns in fact, I could be wrong as I don't really do Gulls but upperwing pattern most often produces diagnostic characteristics.

Most of the trickiest species are done by analysis of photos these days I think, so if you're determined to stick with Gulls, start taking photos would be my advice. Gulls are a very, specialist aspect of birding hence, not everyone does them.

 

[Andy Adcock]

I'm surely not the only person who thinks there should only be three species of gull : bigger one, smaller one and black-headed one?

Would make the world much simpler.

I work on the basis of one species, easily identified as it will be the b****** flying off with your sandwich.

 

[maplekong]

There is far more to Gull ID than just underwing patterns in fact, I could be wrong as I don't really do Gulls but upperwing pattern most often produces diagnostic characteristics.

Most of the trickiest species are done by analysis of photos these days I think, so if you're determined to stick with Gulls, start taking photos would be my advice. Gulls are a very, specialist aspect of birding hence, not everyone does them.

It is easier to look at the upperwing, but I can't fly. Can you?

 

[Andy Adcock]

It is easier to look at the upperwing, but I can't fly. Can you?

Depends how much I've had to drink.

 

[Andy Adcock]

It is easier to look at the upperwing, but I can't fly. Can you?

Birds do 'bank' and turn so you do see the upper sides often but regular watching will help you put together a 'suit' of features including size, shape, manner of flight, tail pattern, back and upper wing pattern, colour of legs etc.

 

[maplekong]

Birds do 'bank' and turn so you do see the upper sides often but regular watching will help you put together a 'suit' of features including size, shape, manner of flight, tail pattern, back and upper wing pattern, colour of legs etc.

Howwwwwwww........... All the gulls I see just do nothing and... go in circles...

 

[Andy Adcock]

Howwwwwwww........... All the gulls I see just do nothing and... go in circles...

You need a larophile mentor, someone who knows what they're doing, I suggest you start hanging about at rubbish tips and sewage works on freezing cold, winter days.......................

 

[maplekong]

You need a larophile mentor, someone who knows what they're doing, I suggest you start hanging about at rubbish tips and sewage works on freezing cold, winter days.......................

Will do, Also, I've never had the experience of gulls stealing my food. What's it like?

 

[Andy Adcock]

Will do, Also, I've never had the experience of gulls stealing my food. What's it like?

Depends how hungry you are.

 

[Andy Adcock]

I've been stood in St Mary's on Scilly and literally had a sandwich taken from my hand as I was about to eat it.

 

[maplekong]

This is off topic, but have you seen the youtube video where a seagull eats a rabbit? (It let it out later)