Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls

Howdee all,

Tuesday, Jeff and I went birding  to South Beach with Kathie of Kathie's Birds.

More on our awesome birding day in another post to come…

While checking out the Great Black-backed Gulls Kathie spotted a Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, which occurs in very small numbers throughout North America, but most frequently along East Coast and Great Lakes, is also similar to Great Black-backed Gull. Lesser Black-backed Gull is significantly smaller and less robust in proportions, and its legs and feet are (usually) yellow, and (in Basic plumage) it has distinctive black streaking on face. Race of Lesser Black-backed Gull typically observed in North America (L. fuscus graellsii) has slate gray, rather than black, back and wings. via The Birds of North America

Kathie noticed the yellowish feet.

Jeff digiscoped a few photos.

Notice the size difference.

The Lesser is more slate gray than black.

I am still a beginning birder..always something new to learn when out birding.