| 1st
winter to summer Slaty-backed
Gull Larus schistisagus
Sakawagawa river, Odawara, Kanagawa, Japan, April 2nd 2001. |
| These following 2 images show typical tints of
first winter/summer Slaty-backed Gull.
Upper parts from lower breast are distinctly whitish, against brown belly. This often can be good key to identification. Smithsonianus also often shows whitish head and neck. But, I feel it usually starts from upper neck in smithsonianus though it may depend on seasons too.  |
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First summer birds often acquire very whitish appearance, and sometimes are confused with Glaucous-winged or Glaucous Gull. But worn Slaty-backed usually gives us brownish, patched impression. |
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