What gull?

[Taylorjane]

This gull was seen today at a reservior in SW Montana.  Typically we see Ring-billed gulls at this reservior, but this gull didn't look or act like the rest.  It seems to have caught a fish and all the other gulls were leaving it alone to eat....which is not what I've witnessed with other gulls with a catch. 

Any help with an ID on this gull would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

[AlexHenry]

Herring Gull?

[akiley]

Probably Herring although I was going to say Great Black-backed before seeing the location. Looks big, thick bill, checkering pattern on back. Would be a major rarity there no? I guess Herring.

 

[AlexHenry]

Notice how the scapulars this birds molted in over the fall/winter are paler than the wing coverts. That suggests Herring to me over Great Black-backed Gull.

[Taylorjane]

A Herring Gull would not be rare, but not as common as the Ring-billed.  The Great Black-backed would be  very rare,

[akiley]

1 hour ago, AlexHenry said:

Notice how the scapulars this birds molted in over the fall/winter are paler than the wing coverts. That suggests Herring to me over Great Black-backed Gull.

Good point. I'm good with Herring. 

[AlexHenry]

As you note @akiley It does have a pretty bulky head/neck area with a pretty hefty bill and a notably flat crown for a Herring. If it was on the west coast I’d consider Glaucous-winged influence. But I think it’s probably a typical Herring Gull, just a big bulky-headed male.

Edited April 7, 2020 by AlexHenry