Below, Christopher reveals some more shots of the bird and discusses this bird's identity.

Our first impression may be of Franklin’s Gull given the bird’s small size compared to the Ring-billed Gull and the dark cap that is more like an adult basic Franklin’s Gull. Still, several features do not fit a typical Franklin’s Gull. The very long-winged look is more like that of a Laughing Gull, as are the long legs and slender build. Further, the primary tips are less prominent than on an adult Franklin’s Gull at this time of year.

Gulls always become easier when the wings are open. These photos reveal extensive dark outer primaries on both the upperwing and underwing. Some "near adult" Franklin’s Gulls more closely resemble Laughing Gulls, with more black on the primaries. This bird, however, is outside the range of a Franklin’s Gull since the entire outer half of the primaries are dark from below. Further, the primary coverts are those of an adult and the tail is white tail. While the exact age of "near adult" Franklin’s Gulls with darker primaries (than adult Franklin's) is not yet certain, these birds retained some darker primary coverts and often some dark in the tail. This bird has uniform coverts and tail, typical of an adult bird.

This bird has started molting head feathers, which accounts for the more extensive hood than is present on most adult basic Laughing Gulls.

This bird is of interest to birders in the interior who rarely see Laughing or Franklin’s Gulls in January. Once again we note the importance of using a suite of features for field identification.

This Laughing Gull was photographed in January of this year at Riverlands EDA, Illinois just outside St. Louis, Missouri (USA). Both Franklin's and Laughing Gull have been reported at this location in January 2001. This individual may be responsible for reports of both species.

Christopher L. Wood
zeledonia@att.net
School of Public and Environmental Affairs
Indiana University, Bloomington

See More Mystery Photos and their Answers