Herring or Lesser black-backed Gull (1 Viewer)

[Oregonian]

Here are photos of a gull that was on the shore of Lake Michigan north of Chicago near Evanston, Illinois last Saturday, October 20, 2012.

Herring Gull would be more common, and overall the smudgy brown appearance made me think Herring at first, but there are some things that make me wonder, including the smallish, all-black bill, dark marks in the auriculars, and a streaky breast. The head looks dainty for a Herring. Could this be a worn juvenile Lesser Black-backed Gull?

Is there something else I should consider?

thanks,
Jeff

 

[Archie Opteryx]

Bill doesn't seem dainty enough for me by a long way...

(I'll edit this later if I'm wrong!o)

 

[CObirdboy]

Herring IMO.

CObb

 

[lou salomon]

it's definitely a smithsonianus. note for instance the large pale inner webs to mid primaries (best visible in pics 2-4, pale areas best visible in primaries 5-7). this plus structure (stockier than LBBG) and plumage (fresher and darker in LBBG) makes it a 1cy american herring gull.

 

[Oregonian]

thanks for the comments - the pale inner webs are there, looking closely.