Franklin's Gull (Leucophaeus pipixcan)

Part of a large flock of an estimated 70 birds. The pink flush seen here is acquired internally from food and not applied via the preen gland as often thought. These gulls are long-distance migrants, breeding in the interior of the North American prairies and wintering primarily along the west coast of South America. They are unusual in that they have two complete molts each year. Formerly included in the genus "Larus," but moved to "Leucophaeus" in order to prevent paraphyly in "Larus."