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. 1 am inclined to believe, however, that these birds were 
admitted into full fellowship, and that they were breeding. 
Taken in Seattle From a photograph, copyright iqo8, by W. L. Dawson 
TO ARMS! 
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 in L. argentatus) ; extent and pattern of black on wing-tip much as in 
preceding species; area of subterminal white “wedge” reduced—extent on rst 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-gray 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. 
HI3 
