Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), San Carlos Reservoir, Graham County

This Laughing Gull was discovered by Doug Jenness, Eric Hough, and Nancy Rivera and photographed by Eric Hough on 10 November 2013.

Casual visitor to Arizona with few fall records. This bird flew between Graham and Pinal Counties on San Carlos Reservoir. At least one previous record from this location (Apr. 30, 2004, in both Graham and Gila Counties) and another Pinal Co. record from Picacho Reservoir. Only two prior fall records for Arizona.

Black ear patch and smudgy black coloration on nape (not extensive black half-hood like Franklin's would have), long black tapered bill, dark wing tips lacking white in primaries, darker gray coloration on back and wings than a Bonaparte's would have, and larger relative size (similar in size to nearby Ring-billed Gulls).

10 November 2013, photo by Eric Hough

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