Hybrid gull? - So. Cal (1 Viewer)

[dant1999]

I saw this bird in Malibu last week, and I was wondering if this is a western x glaucous-winged gull hybrid or if it is just a western gull. Any thoughts?

 

[dant1999]

bump

 

[KenM]

This looks like a possible Glaucous-winged x Western..which is referred to as ''Olympic Gull''.

I believe along the Washington coast hybrids outnumber pure bred birds.

cheers

 

[ospr3y]

Do all hybrid gulls looks so disproportionate?

 

[garybnunn]

This appears to be a hybrid Glaucous-winged Gull x Western Gull three years age (3 CY) getting into basic (winter) plumage. Quite numerous in northern California although only smaller numbers reach southern California each winter. The pudgy or lumpy look of the bird is quite characteristic usually with a heavy looking feathered "skirt" formed by the hanging secondary feathers too. Not the most elegant looking gull. Massive bill morphology. Streaks on the head are another characteristic in basic plumage. I was lucky enough to photograph a nice adult in basic plumage here in San Diego last winter which showed off the sometimes seen fade-to-grey primary feather coloration.

It can be seen here http://bit.ly/RgSdeE

Gary Nunn
http://www.sandiegobirding.com/

 

[ospr3y]

Gary, what would you call this one? Just a 2nd cycle Western? I spotted him/her at the Marine St. beach in La Jolla.

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/78185189.jpg

 

[KenM]

Gary, what would you call this one? Just a 2nd cycle Western? I spotted him/her at the Marine St. beach in La Jolla.

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/78185189.jpg

I'd have thought 3rd Winter/4th. Western Gull.

cheers