2012 December HERRING GULL Bird of the Month

(See member picture gallery below). December’s bird of the month, Larus argentatus, is one of two fairly large gulls in Palm Beach County. Herring Gulls are large gulls with hefty bills and robust bodies. In flight, they look barrel-chested and broad-winged compared to smaller species such as Ring-billed Gulls.Adults have light-gray backs, black wingtips, and white heads and underparts. In winter, dusky streaks mark their heads. As with all gulls, though, age is important: Herring Gulls take four years to reach adult plumage. Juveniles are mottled brown; second-year birds are brown but show gray on the back. Third-years have more gray on the back and more white on the head and underparts. The legs are dull pink at all ages. Find out more at our monthly meeting! (Photographer’s please note that next month’ Jan 2013 Bird is the American Robin)