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Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus L 62-68cm. Bulky, pale-looking gull. Similar size to Great Black-backed but closer to Herring in plumage terms. Note adult’s white wing tips; bill is massive and legs are pinkish at all times. Sexes are similar. Adult in winter has pale grey back and upperwings with white wingtips and trailing margin. Plumage is otherwise mainly white with variable dark streaking on head and neck. Eye has pale iris and orbital ring is yellow. In breeding plumage (sometimes seen in late winter) similar but without dark streaks. Juvenile and 1st winter are mainly pale buffish grey but very pale primaries. Pink bill is dark-tipped. Adult plumage acquired over 3 years. 2nd winter is very pale with faint streaks marbling. 3rd winter is overall paler still. Voice Utters a kyaoo and an anxious ga-ka-ka. Status Scarce non-breeding visitor, commonest on N coasts in late winter.
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- © PAUL STERRY/Nature Photographers
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