1 recent observation
Brief #
A distinctive white gull, with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips.
Description #
Slightly larger and bulkier than the black-headed gull with a heavier bill and longer, darker legs. The breeding plumage adult is a distinctive white gull, with a very pale grey mantle and wings with white primary feathers without black tips. The black hood extends down the nape and shows distinct white eye crescents. The blunt tipped, parallel sided, dark red bill has a black subterminal band. The non breeding adult is similar but the hood is reduced to an extensive dusky "bandit" mask through the eye. This bird takes two years to reach maturity. First year birds have a black terminal tail band and more black areas in the upperwings, but have pale underwings.
Measurements #
Length: 36 - 38 cm
Wingspan: 0.92 - 1 m
Weight: 230 - 280 g
Gallery #
