SABINE’S GULL Xema sabinii (Joseph Sabine)
Reading edition
This circumpolar species is a very rare autumnal visitor to our shores. Its chief breeding-grounds are the Arctic 359 regions of North America, whence it migrates southwards, in winter.
The adult has a slate grey back; the head and neck are very dark grey, tail and under parts white. In winter the forehead and crown are white. In their first autumn the young are ash grey on the occiput, nape, and back. The tail feathers have broad black tips. Length 13 in.; wing 10·75 in.
This species may always be recognised by the forked tail.