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Posted by Lyn Atherton on 14:54:01 04/12/13
In Reply to: Possible Slaty-backed Gull at Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehab Center, Tavernier posted by Brian Rapoza
I think this gull is a 3rd cycle LBBG. The forehead shape and body structure are typical of this species and not of Slaty-backed, which has a more rounded head and a bulkier body. The bill size is fine for male LBBG, but isn't thick enough for Slaty-backed. And, in its 2nd cycle, LBBG acquires light eyes, so the eye color is typcial of 3rd cycle LBBG. The leg color is not unusual for LBBG in this plumage, but I'd expect more pinkish-colored legs if this gull were a Slaty-backed. The bit darker mantle color for graellsii LBBG as shown by this gull is most likely a result of the low light conditions under which the photo was taken. The very long primaries (extending well past the tail) are typical of LBBG but unlike those of Slaty-backed which has relatively short primaries.
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