Embedded Files
The "mythically rare" small gull of the high arctic, local records are few and far between. There is just enough local media available to paint a picture of how this two year gull molts into an adult like plumage. Yet it is worth considering how some individuals that allow close approach for photographs may be unwell, leading to an appearance that may not match expecations shown in field guides.
First Cycle
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
Second Cycle / Adult
The change from first to second cycle depends on the timing of the start of the inner primary molt. May/June is used here as an arbitrary cutoff. Unlike other small gull species, there does not appear to be a detectable second cycle plumage - and there is no available media from the Great Lakes of transitional summer birds - so only adult-plumaged individuals are shown below.
June
The above bird is an interesting example of an atypical plumage occurring on a vagrant individual. Presumably unhealthy, it does not exhibit the expected "breeding plumage" of adult Ross's Gull in spring.
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse