1st winter
Slaty-backed Gulls  Larus schistisagus
January 17th 2012 Choshi Chiba Japan 
 

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Note the very typical overall structure and coloration. This type of birds are usually quite easy to distinguish from Vega Gulls.

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A faded, but still relatively fresh individual.

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This looks very like the above one, but has more worn scapulars and coverts.

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A fresh and dark individual recalling American Herring Gull. But note the short-winged, stubby overall structure and pale fringes to the primary tips.

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