Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), Lake Cochise, Cochise County

This Laughing Gull was found and photographed by Joel Gilb on 19 April 2018

About 30 prior records for Arizona, primarily from late spring and summer

Distinguished from similar Franklin's Gull by less extensive black on head, larger and longer bill, broad black terminal tail band extending to outermost tail feathers, and retained brownish upper wing coverts. Aged as first cycle/second year by retained juvenile brownish upper wing coverts, and broad black terminal tail band.

19 April 2018, photo by Joel Gilb

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