Laughing Gull?

90% sure it's a laughing gull - but there's 10% that wonders if it's a black headed gull (which have been seen in the area - though not recently).

- Luke

Luke,

I would say this is not a Laughing Gull, the bill is too small and the shape of the hood isn't right. The white nape would say Black-headed to me.

The other option is Franklin's which would be quite rare for NYS - though it could get off course on its way up from South America. Here's a head-shot.

I have had 2 locals who are pretty skilled birders say it's Laughing, though they admit the bill length and incomplete hood don't match up.

- Luke

Luke

I could be the hood on this bird just isn't as full as most Laughing Gulls, I looked through my Laughing gulls images and found one that does come close to yours. The eye ring certainly looks right

Thanks Mia - your shot is prettier than mine! Albeit I found mine in a parking lot...

Great find luke!

I think the bill is too heavy for Black-headed, Luke. My vote would be Laughing. Without the dark subterminal spot on the bill, I'm disinclined to say Franklin's.

I say laughing. Looks a lot like images I have of laughing gulls from the east coast of FL.

My gull skills aren't what they used to be after 16 years here in the mostly gull-less desert. But this isn't the mis-named Black-headed Gull - that has a dark chocolate brown head. It would be good if you had some shots of the upper and lower wingtips. I'd say this is a Laughing Gull with an incomplete hood.

Thanks for everyones thoughts - looks like the consensus here and locally is Laughing Gull - still a decent find for this early in the year.

Hi Luke, my is for Laughing Gull as well. For reasons already stated, plus the wings are a darker gray creating more contrast against the body. This seems to fit Laughing as well. Nice images either way.

With my Peterson Field Guide and the NG Field Guide to the Birds of Western North America in front of me, I'd say It is probably a laughing gull. The shape of the bill compared to the Franklin and Black-headed gulls convinces me. Also the Black-headed gull has a dark brown hood despite its name.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada