The Ring-billed Gull 



something in the timing of its appearance, or something in the psycho- 

 logical stress of its author, which gave this note its sudden compulsion. 

 Among the breeding birds we noted the presence of several individuals 

 not quite mature, as evidenced by a distinct trace, or an indistinct hue, of 

 black on the tail. I am inclined to believe, however, that these birds were 

 admitted into full fellowship, and that they were breeding. 



#^?M^^&A 





Taken in Seattle 



TO ARMS! 



From a photograph, copyright iqoS, by W. L. Dawson 



No. 277 



Ring-billed Gull 



A. O. U. No. 54. Larus delawarensis Ord. 



Description. — Adult in summer: Mantle pearl-gray (typical "Gull-blue," a 

 shade lighter than inL. argentatus); extent and pattern of black on wing-tip much as in 

 preceding species; area of subterminal white "wedge" reduced — extent on 1st primary 

 about one inch or less, its traversing shaft black; corresponding area wanting on 2nd 

 primary, or if present appearing as rounded spot on inner web; white tips reduced, 

 usually wanting on 1st and often on 2nd; remaining plumage white. Bill greenish 

 yellow, crossed at angle by a broad and clearly defined black band; feet light yellow or 

 greenish; eyelids vermilion, iris pale yellow. Adult in winter: Similar, but cheeks, 

 crown, hind-neck, and sides of neck (narrowly) sharply streaked or spotted with dusky. 

 First year birds are nebulated light brownish gray and whitish, with early appearance 

 of pearl-graj' on back; quills and tail dusky, blackening distally. Bill black, lightening 

 basally. Second year birds are white below with light spotting of brownish dusky on 

 breast and sides; the head pattern is largely that of the adult in winter; the wing-tips 

 retain their nondescript blackish character, while the tail is chiefly light bluish gray, 

 more or less mottled with blackish, and crossed by a definite broad subterminal band 

 of black. Bill, basal half yellow, terminal half black. This species attains maturity in 

 three years, thus "saving" a year over the foregoing larger forms. Length 457.2-508 

 (18.00-20.00); wing 368.3 (14.50); tail 152.4 (6.00); bill 40.6 (1.60); tarsus 55.9 (2.20). 



Recognition Marks. — Crow size, but appearing larger; mantle "gull-blue"; 

 black band across bill at angle; feet greenish yellow (thereby easily distinguishable from 

 all others, save L. californicus and Larus canus brachyrhynchus). Along the coast 

 narrowly confined to the beach proper. 



14*3 



