Family: Laridae, Gulls and Terns view all from this family
Description ADULT Pale morph has dark wings (except for white
"flash" at base of primaries) and tail. Head has dark hood, neck
is variably flushed with yellow, especially on nape, and
otherwise whitish underparts have variable dark breast brand,
most striking in females. Dark morph is uniformly dark brown,
except for white wing "blazes." JUVENILE Has brown upper wings,
barred brown underparts, and barred gray underwings except for
white "blaze" at base of primaries. Note stubby central tail
extensions and subtly paler rump. Dimensions Length: 22" (56 cm)
Habitat Nests on high Arctic tundra. Pelagic at other times.
Migrates down Atlantic seaboard where it is common Jul-Oct;
winters in small numbers. Observation Tips Seen from pelagic
trips, but seldom from land. Range Great Lakes, California,
Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, New England, Eastern Canada, Texas,
Plains, Western Canada, Southeast, Florida, Alaska Voice Silent
away from breeding grounds. Discussio