Ross' Gull at Niagra Falls
Credit: Seabamirum

North American field guide

Ross' Gull

Rhodostethia rosea

Also known as:Ross's Gull

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Identification

Field notes

34 cm (14") Rare. Arctic bird. Accidental south. Adult is pink below. Thin neck collar in spring and summer, partial or absent in fall and winter. Only gull with a wedge-shaped tail.

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Bird Advisor Identification rules 1 variant 1 rule

These are the observation paths the Bird Advisor can use to identify this species. Each rule is an alternative match.

Ross' Gull

1 rule
Rule 1 11 criteria confidence 1
What colour were the LEGS or FEET ?
Orange, buff (orange-yellow), or tan · Red, or pink · Rufous (dull-red or rust-colored) · Unknown
What SHAPE was the TAIL ?
Pointed or wedge-shaped · Unknown
What colour was the BACK ?
White, or pale (grayish-white) · Gray, or blue-gray · Unknown
What colour was the BREAST ?
White, or pale (grayish-white) · Red, or pink · Unknown
What colour was the BILL ?
Black, purple, or dark · Unknown
What SHAPE was the BILL ?
Straight and thick · Hooked · Unknown
What LENGTH was the BILL ?
Short · Medium · Unknown
What colour was the TOP of HEAD ?
White, or pale (grayish-white) · Unknown
How BIG was the bird ?
Robin-sized · Pigeon-sized
What TYPE of bird was seen ?
Gull-like, or a Seabird
WHERE was the bird seen ?
Northeastern Canada or United States · Northwestern Canada or United States