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Lesser Black Backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Photo by Mick G
Published on Project Noah
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26.527, -80.0484

Field Notes

Description:

A large gull with an overall height of 12 to 15 inches in height. .

Habitat:

Atlantic ocean beach in the shoreline.

Reference Links:

Lesser Black-backed Gull, BirdForum

Species ID Suggestions

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

Reference Link
Liam
3

Belcher's Gull

Larus belcheri

Reference Link
LauraMaria
1

Comments (8)
Mick G
My apology @Liam. I should never have doubted you. :-)
Mick G
@AshleyT You see I quoted you below. Paraphrased actually
Liam
Take a look under the primaries - you can see an all-white tail. Belcher's show a wide black terminal band, like so: http://ibc.lynxeds.com/files/pictures/Larus_belcheri_Lima_4_editado.jpg
AshleyT
Haha you should listen to Liam before you listen to me! Gulls are a weakness of mine anyways. But if you look at other sites for ranges of Belcher's none of them say it is in North America besides that one. I asked Liam to look at this because I had never heard of the Belcher's. So I'm going to agree with Lesser Black-backed :)
Mick G
Wow @Liam and @LauraMaria I'm uncertain. Examining both species (excluding the Whatbird link) I have to say there is compelling reasons for either. Need an ornithological referee (Ornithologist) to make the call. Both images of the Belcher and the Lesser black backed gulls are very similar. Both species could be here. Both are related. Using my friend @AshleyT 's rule, choose the more prevalent, it is more likely to be the correct choice. What do you guys say?
Liam
Belcher's aren't actually found in Florida (Whatbird link is inaccurate). This is an alternate-plumaged Lesser Black-backed Gull, which are actually a regular species in Florida.
Mick G
Thank you @Laura Maria. I took this at a long distance in rain and overcast. Couldnt get the details. I just saw this gull at that distance and felt it was not one that I normally see. Thank you again.
LauraMaria
This is actually a Belcher's gull! ID'd by those long yellow legs, the dark slate coloured wings, the thin white band between the tail and wings, and the lack of white dots on the black wing tips. Also, while a little hard to make out, this gull has a mark on both the top and bottom of its bill, the similar yellow-legged gull only has a mark on the bottom. Cool spot!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Birds of the Southeast U.S.
Mission
Birds of the World
Mission
Florida's Flora & Fauna
Mission
Water Birds of North Eastern USA
Photographed
PublishedMarch 19, 2013

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