Verification of Unusual
Sight Record
For Utah
Rec. # 2016-07
| Common name: |
Little Gull |
| Scientific name: | Hydrocoloeus minutus |
| Date: | 05/02/2016 |
| Time: | 12:40pm |
| Length of time observed: | 2hrs 24mins |
| Number: | 1 |
| Age: | 1W |
| Sex: | Unknown |
| Location: | Powell Lake, Lehi |
| County: | Utah |
| Latilong: | |
| Elevation: | 4,300' |
| Distance to bird: | 10' to 500' |
| Optical equipment: | 8x42 binoculars, 20-60x82 scope, 600mm DSLR lens |
| Weather: | Mosty sunny, with occasional clouds |
| Light Conditions: | Good |
| Description: Size of bird: | Smaller than average gull |
| (Description:) Basic Shape: | gull |
| (Description:) Overall Pattern: | white, gray, and black |
| (Description:) Bill Type: | tiny dagger-like bill |
|
(Description:)
Field Marks and Identifying Characteristics: |
Stunning little bird. I spotted him/her flying when I arrived--that awesome
stark wing pattern stood out from a distance. Smaller than Bonaparte's Gull, shorter bodied, with petite head, tiny bill, deep pink feet, and a speckled head showing an obvious collar and ear spot when in flight. The wing pattern is typical for 1st winter , with black outer primaries, and leading edge, creating an "M" pattern on the birds wings and back. The trailing edge is white, with a light gray on the mantel and across the secondaries The tails was really interesting with the outer feathers showing a black tip, while the two inner most feathers were completely white. eBird Checklist with photos: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29366908 |
| Song or call & method of delivery: | none |
| Behavior: | Flying, feeding, and sitting on the water |
| Habitat: | Freshwater lake/pond surrounded by marsh and suburbs |
| Similar
species and
how were they eliminated: |
All other small hooded gulls have a different wing pattern. |
| Previous
experience with this & similar species: |
2nd I've found in Utah, and I've seen several on the Great Lakes. |
| References consulted: | Sibley Guide to Birds |
| Description from: | From memory |
| Observer: | Tim Avery |
| Observer's address: | n/a |
| Observer's e-mail address: | ** |
| Other observers who independently identified this bird: | Bryan Shirley, and others later in the day |
| Date prepared: | 05/02/2016 |
| Additional material: | Photos |
| Additional comments: | Ebird checklist: http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S29366908 |