Vega Gull
Larus vegae
A large, sturdy gull of East Asia. Adults have a fairly pale gray back, pale eye, and dull pinkish legs. Takes four years for immatures to progress from mostly brown to fully white and gray adult plumage; intermediate plumages are often mottled and messy. Extremely variable plumage can make identification tricky. Occurs inland and along the coast, frequenting river mouths, harbors, beaches, lakes, and ponds. Often forms flocks with other gulls. Back color of adults generally a shade darker than that of American Herring Gull. Very similar to Mongolian Gull, and separation is tricky, but has a larger head and bill; adults also generally have pinker legs.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Larus vegae
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
- Genus
- Larus
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Chinese Beautiful Rosefinch
Carpodacus davidianus
A heavily marked rosefinch that is closely related to and extremely similar to Himalayan Beautiful Rosefinch. Male averages more extensively pink with a broader pink brow. The female, on the other hand is almost indistinguishable; look for a more square-tipped and slightly shorter tail. Best distinguished by calls; gives sharp metallic notes instead of Himalayan Beautiful’s more mellow trills and twitters. Inhabits similar montane scrub and open forest habitat, occasionally ventures down into the outskirts of towns and villages; often singly or in pairs.
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Familiar but stunning jay found year-round throughout most of eastern North America. Bright blue above and pale gray below with a fluffy crest. Also look for black necklace and black and white markings on the wings and tail. Pairs or small groups travel through mature deciduous or coniferous woodlands, often revealing their presence with loud, harsh “jay” calls. Frequently visits bird feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
Indian Spotted Eagle
Clanga hastata
A small eagle, slightly larger than a kite but structurally similar to other large eagles, with six splayed “fingers” at the wingtip and a pale rump. Adult is rich brown overall with a long gape line that extends behind the eye. Nostrils are round. Subadults are paler, with light speckles on breast and belly. In flight from below, wings and tail are finely barred with brown on creamy white feathers. Unlike other large eagles, its long legs are lightly feathered, lacking the baggy “trousers.” Soars over grasslands, scrub, light forests, and wetlands; can be found away from wetlands, unlike the Greater Spotted Eagle.
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