Maryland. August. |
Identification: This is a small-to-medium sized gull, with plumage aspect resembling Franklin's and Laughing Gull. The bill is relatively long and thick with a slight droop. The eye crescents do not boldly contrast with a blackish head (as in Franklin's), and the primary tips lack bold white apicals, which all support Laughing. The upper tail is exposed, with dark coming out all the way to the outer edge of the outer tail feathers. Our July Quiz is a fresh, juvenile, Laughing Gull.
Note that the smaller tern-like gulls (i.e., Bonaparte's, Little, Black-headed) have noticeably thinner and smaller bills and ear spots on the face. Sabine's may show a superficial resemblance, but again, it is noticeably smaller with petite bill.