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adult Herring Gull smithsonianus

Fig 1) This is a typical adult. Note the long flat crown, the extensive head markings (beginning to fade), the long straight straw-yellow bill, pale mantle, and pale yellow eyes. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.

Fig 2) This bird is beginning to molt into adult summer plumage, losing much of the head streaking and getting deeper yellow in the bill. March 23, 2011. Clearlake, Calfornia. Photo courtesy of Steve Hampton.