This group of first cycle Ring-billed
Gulls Larus delawarensis was photographed in
Fort Worth November 21, 1998. The large individual with apparent
brown greater coverts - the inner ones of which look plain-centered
- is unusual; were this bird seen alone it may invite comparisons
with larger forms. Not also the rump/uppertail of the landing
bird on the left: tail patterns of RBGU are extremely variable but usually
involve some form of transverse barring on the outer feathers
- lacking on this bird; this pattern is almost identical to some
first cycle Common Gulls (Larus canus canus), the "flaw"
being on the outermost retrix, where the extent of black creeping
up the outer edge is atypical for COGU:
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