Laughing Gull (Leucophaeus atricilla), Lake Havasu, Mohave County

This Laughing Gull was found by Brittany O'Connor and photographed by David Vander Pluym and Thomas Benson on 14 January 2018

About 30 prior records for Arizona, primarily from late spring and summer. If accepted by the ABC, this would be the first winter record for Arizona.

Small gull, smaller than Ring-billed Gull but larger than Bonaparte's Gull. 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.

14 January 2018, photo by David Vander Pluym

 

14 January 2018, photo by Thomas Benson

All photos are copyrighted© by photographer