Glaucous Gull

[argo12]

Pretty sure I got it right this time.
Shot in California in 2011, just want to confirm
thanks

[Rotarran]

No that's an adult Great Black-backed Gull.  Unless those legs are yellow (they look pink to me), in which case it would be a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

The adult Glaucous has absolutely no black anywhere on its feathers and especially not on its wing tips and tail.  Also it's back is much much lighter.

Take a look (not my pic):

[argo12]

Thanks for the clarification.  When I saw the dark upper feathers and the red spot on bill, I thought of the Glaucous.
Better match to the the Great Black.
As always, thanks for input

[Reuven_M]

This is a Western Gull. Great Black-backeds are not found on the West Coast.
Argo12, what field guide are you using? I ask because Glaucous Gull is probably the large gull least similar to this bird out of the many options.

[Rotarran]

Oops sorry about that. I should really stay away from IDing birds that far away.  Yeah I thought there was something a bit different about that bird, including the leg colours.  All I knew was that it wasn't a Glaucous Gull.

[argo12]

Reuve_M - thanks for the clarification, I am using the American Museum and Natural History - Birds of North America.
I thought of the Glaucous Gull as it shows the same color of bill and red end, white head and the immature has a mottled dark back. The pink legs also match.

I am really happy with the help and if you have any suggestions on guides (primarily Eastern NA but all NA would be fine), please share.

Thanks again

Ted

[thouc]

All large gulls have yellow bills with a red spot and white head,so those feature aren't of much help. Most of them have pink legs and a few have yellow legs.

Mantle colour, size, size of bill and colour/pattern of wing tips are the main identification points for larger gulls.

/Thomas

[Reuven_M]

I'm not familiar with that guide in particular, but in general guides with drawings are better for most purposes. The best is undoubtedly the Sibley Guide to Eastern North America. All the drawings are in the same pose which really allows you to pick out the differences between species. I suspect your guide is not doing that very well, as most gulls have a white head, pink legs and a yellow bill with red spot.
If you prefer a guide with photos the Kaufman guide is probably the best, as it does a good job of showing birds in similar poses and pointing out what the differences are.