Identification - It is larger than a Mallard. The best field marks in summer are its yellow bill with a red spot on the lower edge, a very dark gray back, black wingtips with small white "windows", and pink legs. In flight the underwings show dark areas. Sexes are similar in appearance.
Morsels - Gulls have a variety of plumages which makes them a difficult group for the birdwatchers to identify. Large gulls, such as the Western Gull, take four years to attain their adult plumage and in that period have at least five major plumage changes. Thus, you could see five different-looking gulls on the beach at the same time that are actually all the same species.
