back to the Gull ID MainPage

second cycle Herring Gull smithsonianus

Fig 1) The adult gray back and scapulars (mixed with some brown) and brown coverts and tertials with variable marbling distinguish this as a second year bird. Many second year Herrings have pale eyes already. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 2) This picture shows two second year birds, a smaller female in front and a larger male behind. The male has very little adult gray in the mantle, but appears to be a second year bird judging from the marbled greater coverts and tertial tips. Dec 22, 1998. Newby Island, Santa Clara Co., Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.	Fig 3) This bird still has an unusual amount of black in the bill. Dec 22, 1998. Newby Island, Santa Clara Co., Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers.

Figs 4 and 5) These figures show how similar birds may progress thru the year, from November to March. The late season bird is quite worn and thus appears rather pale. An unusally high proportion of second year smithsonianus appear as if they are hybrids with Glaucous, but they can't all be. This appearance is fairly common. Fig 4: Nov 11, 2010. Lake Mendocino, California. Photo courtesy of Matt Brady. Fig 5: March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.