adult winter Thayer's Gull

adult winter
Thayer's Gull

Fig 1) This remarkable photo shows the unique primary pattern of this species. On the upper wing, note that the black is largely confined to the outer webs, except for the subterminal bands. On the under wing, the wing appears fairly white except for the dark subterminal band on the outer primaries. Note also the dark eye and dark pink legs. Feb 13, 2004, Chicago, IL. Photo courtesy of Kanae Hirabayashi, copyright 2004.

Fig 3) Again, the same bird as Figures 1 and 2. By this time in winter, the extensively smudged hood is turning rather white. Feb 13, 2004, Chicago, IL. Photo courtesy of Kanae Hirabayashi, copyright 2004.

Fig 4) Another photo showing both upper and underwing patterns. This is a different bird from above; note the slight differences in the primary pattern. March 16, 2001, Milwaukee, WI. Photo courtesy of John Idzikowski, copyright 2001.

Fig 5) This bird was photographed in February in Japan, where Thayer's Gulls are rare but regular. Note the nice hooded look (though it's beginning to fade), the pale underside of P10 (on the far wing), the dark pink legs, and the rather small bill. Photo courtesy of Nobuo Matumura, copyright 2000.

Fig 6) Note the smudgy head and neck markings, the dark eye, the greenish tinge to the yellow on the bill, the mantle shade of gray (slightly darker than smithsonianus Herring) and the pale underside of P10 (on the right wing). December 27 1998, San Jose, CA. Photo courtesy of Mike Rogers, copyright 1998.