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adult Ring-billed Gull

Fig 1) A typical adult in winter. Note the pale gray mantle with no strong tertial crescent-- an easy way to separate them from other species at long range. Photo courtesy of Don DesJardin.

Fig 2) Adult Ring-billed Gulls in flight can be recognized from a distance by the extensive black area on the outer primaries. January, 2006. Huntington Beach State Park, South Carolina. Photo courtesy of James Rivers.

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Fig 3) A late winter adult, still with some head streaking. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

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Fig 4) This photo was taken the same day as the previous photo, only this bird is already in full breeding plumage. Note the vivid bare part colors: the red eye ring and bright bill and legs. Again, note the virtual lack of tertial and scapular crescents. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

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