Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), San Carlos Lake, Pinal County

This Laughing Gull was found by David Pearson on 15 June 2019 and photographed by Robert Bowker on the same date.

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.

15 June 2019, photo by robert bowker

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