King and Howell test this 'truism' through field observations and question the utility of this feature as a field mark. Huge number of photos and paintings treating every age group. Again, lots of informative color photos and paintings accompany this detailed review. Required reading for gull enthusiasts. Beautiful color plates and line drawings by David Quinn.
Detailed legends describe the salient points presented in the photos.
Includes a color photo of an adult Lesser Black-backed x Herring Hybrid. Identification of juvenile and first-winter Thayer's Gull. The adult Thayer's Gull in Donegal. Focuses on first and second years with some information on the identification of older immatures and adult plumages. There are several photos, some taken in Quebec and Long Island.