first cycle Herring Gull

first cycle
Herring Gull
smithsonianus

Fig 1) This is a typical bird. Note the patterning on the scapulars, coverts, and tertials. They have rather dark brown centers with well-defined notches and spots, producing a checkered look. The scapular pattern is the classic "holly-leaf" pattern. On most birds, the upper portions of the outer greater coverts are more solid dark, while the lower portions and the inner greater coverts are extensively spotted. Some birds are entirely boldly checkered, much like argenteus. The notching on the tertials is usually limited to just the tips, only rarely completely down the sides of the feathers. These tips wear down later in winter, causing the pattern to be lost. The primaries are nearly black, but show fresh edges here in this November photo. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.

Fig 2) This bird is a bit paler, especially on the back, where some first winter feathers may be coming in. Note the well-patterned greater coverts and the paler bill. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.

Fig 3) Sometimes the pale spots on the greater coverts are quite small. Still note the medium-dark brown shade to the coverts and scapulars. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.


Fig 4) Again, note the blackish primaries. The darkish greater covert bar is common on smithsonianus, but not universal. Some birds may appear entirely checkered here. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.	Fig 5) On this bird and the one below, at least P7-10 appear all dark. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.


Fig 6) Note how the outer greater coverts are largely solid dark, except for their tips. Some birds have more checkered greater coverts. November, 1998, Davis, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.	Fig 7) This bird is a bit older and thus is a bit browner due to fading and has a lot more pink in the bill. Note the wedge of solid greater coverts just above the leg. Note also the pale markings on the outermost web of the outermost retrice. December 18, 1998. Santa Barbara, CA. Photo courtesy of Don DesJardin.


Fig 8) We thought this was an awfully frosty first year bird, and it has generated considerable discussion regarding moult timing and the possibility that it could be a retarded second-year bird. For a first year Herring Gull, it would be unusually pale in the rump and underparts. Figures 8-12: late January, 2000, McGrath Beach, CA. Photos courtesy of Don DesJardin.	Fig 9) Same bird as Fig 8. The location of the pale window formed by the pale inner webs of P1-5 is fine for Herring Gull, but off for Slaty-backed, where the inner webs of P4-7 are the palest (Pyle, P., Birder's Journal 6(5): 251).

Fig 10) Same bird as Fig 8. Notice the faded juvenile coverts and how worn and pointed the primaries are. One careful observer pointed out the darker "wear shadow" on P9, where the former broader rounded tip of P8 had protected it from fading.

Fig 11) Same bird as Fig 8. The "wear shadows" are apparent in this shot as well.

Fig 12) Same bird as Fig 8. The tail is the biggest clue that this is indeed a first year bird. The cross-bars on the outermost webs are a typical first year pattern.

Fig 13) A typical bird later in the winter. Note some adult gray coming in on the scapulars. This gray can appear rather dark against the faded brown coverts. This bird still retains pales edges to the folded primaries. February 27, 2011. Davis, Califoria. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 14) This photo shows the remarkable variability of this species, especially among first year birds, with different bill colors and covert patterns. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.


Fig 15) This one shows the white-headedness often associated with first year smithsonianus. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.	Fig 16) The smaller one in front is a smaller female. This late in the season, these birds have long-since molted their juveniel scapulars. The retained juvenile coverts are getting worn. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.


Fig 17) This bird is showing some hints of pale adult gray in the scapulars. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.	Fig 18) This paler bird shows even more pale gray tones in the scapulars. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.


Fig 19) This bird has a fresh row of adult gray scapulars that contrast strongly with the worn juvenile coverts. Note the advanced bill with reduced black. Adult smithsonianus behind it. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.	Fig 20) This bird is even more advanced in its scapular molt, transitioning from first to second year. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

See illustrations of first year wing patterns with comparison w/ similar species.