Our most common dark-backed gull. Usually encountered during the winter months among large flocks of gulls. Takes four years to reach adult plumage.

Similar species:
A large, chunky gull usually with dark eyes. Heavy bill with a somewhat bulbus tip. Frequently hybridizes with Glaucous-winged Gull and will create confusing offspring. These offspring will breed and create further confusing results. See photos in photo gallery. A pure adult Western Gull will have a dark grey back, black wingtips and often a pure white head without smudging. Slaty-backed Gull, a very rare visitor from Siberia, has an even darker grey back, heavy crisps streaks on the head and neck and a yellow eye.

Sources:
Olsen and Larsson, (2004)

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