Iceland Gull in St. Louis County
2011-12-31

'Rare Regular' in Minnesota

This adult Iceland Gull was found at Canal Park on 31 December 2011 along with the previously reported adult Glaucous-winged Gull and many other gulls. Although Iceland Gulls have been found in good numbers in Duluth the last four winters (five seen in Duluth this same day!), this bird is unusual because it shows completely unmarked primaries. I have seen Iceland Gulls with completely white primary tips only rarely in Minnesota, and have never had the chance to photo-document one so well. Since all Minnesota records probably pertain to the Kumlien's race (Larus g. kumlieni), which almost always has at least some gray or dark subterminal markings in the dorsal outer primaries, it is tempting to label this bird as a potential individual of the nominate race Larus g. glaucoides, but separation of the two races of Iceland Gull is apparently very difficult, especially since occasional (about 5% in Newfoundland) apparent Kumlien's can have unmarked outer primaries. Nevertheless, in this individual, besides the immaculate outer primaries, the very pale mantle shade (similar to an adult Glaucous, although none were present for comparison), the completely unmarked yellow iris, and the limited basic plumage head streaking all suggest L. g. glaucoides (see http://birdingnewfoundland.blogspot.com/p/gull-id-articles.html). Perhaps as we learn more about separation of these forms this bird will become more confidently identifiable. Comments are welcome! I posted additional images of this bird at www.pbase.com/karlbardon under Duluth-Superior gulls fall/winter 2011-2012

Karl J. Bardon