Lesser Black-backed Gull in St. Louis County
2010-11-17

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota

This juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull was present on both sides of the Superior Entry in Duluth on November 17th. Although this is becoming a regular species in Duluth, immature birds are more of a challenge to pick out among Herring Gulls. In this photo, note the birds whiter tail base and rump which contrasts with a slightly narrower tail band, darker upperwings without a noticeable paler panel on the inner primaries, all dark bill, and heavily streaked head and body plumage. Most diagnostic however, is the even white margin to the tip of the tertials without any internal pale notching as shown by young Herring Gulls.

Karl J. Bardon