Mew Gull (Larus canus), Glendale Recharge Ponds, Maricopa County

This Mew Gull (with Glaucous-winged Gull) was discovered and photographed by Tommy DeBardeleben on 17 November 2011. Also photographed by Pierre Deviche on 18 November 2011.

This gull is a rare transient and winter visitor. There are fewer than 15 previous state records.

Small size and thin small dull pink bill with a black tip. Largely brown, white, and gray gull with brown smudged underparts, brown tail, heavily brown flecked uppertail coverts, and brown unpatterned underwing coverts. These points rule out Ring-billed Gull.

17 November 2011, photo by Tommy DeBardeleben

18 November 2011, photo by Pierre Deviche

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