"Small gull with M pattern"

[colorad...@aol.com]

All:

The number of species of "small gulls with an M pattern" that are possible in Colorado is five: Ross's, Little, Bonaparte's, and Black-headed gulls and Black-legged Kittiwake. The "M pattern" refers to the "M" described by the dark primaries and the stripe of dark crossing the otherwise pale coverts to the wrist from the base of the wing.

Sabine's Gull does NOT have an "M pattern."

Sincerely,

Tony Leukering

currently Fairborn, OH

[Charles Hundertmark]

Yet, the Cornell app “Merlin” uses the convenient descriptor "Small gull with distinctive bold "M" pattern on wings in flight, formed by black outer primaries, white inner flight feathers, and dark back,” in its description of Sabine’s Gull.

Chuck Hundertmark

Lafayette, CO

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[Ira Sanders]

Also yet the Sibley app states "pied wing pattern resembles dark M of other species" in description of Juvenile Sabine's Gull, but let us note that the juvenile wing pattern is the same as the adult wing pattern.

Ira Sanders

Golden, CO

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Ira Sanders

Golden, CO

"My mind is a raging torrent flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives."

[willc...@gmail.com]

Hi All,

I think the description of a dark M on the back for a juvenile Sabine's gull makes perfect sense, and is both helpful and descriptive for newer birders. It is a common term when used in relation to Sabine's Gulls in juvenile plumage, and I see no need for a change of the lexicon.

thanks,

Will

[John Vanderpoel]

I agree with Tony.  Juvenile Sabine’s certainly show a strong pattern in flight.  Striking white, brown, and black.  Much better description than an “M” pattern.

 

John Vanderpoel

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