Mew Gull

Larus canus

(L. c. heinei)

Armenian Name:	Թխակապույտ որոր

See Plate 32 for Mew Gull and other similar species

Resident Status:	Casual
Length:	40-42 cm, Wing Span:110-130 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 154.
Description:	Rounded head, greenish-yellow legs and bill.
Adult (Breeding):	White head, body, rump, and tail. Light gray mantle and upperwings; in flight, shows black wingtip with two large white spots near tips of outer primaries.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Head and nape streaked with gray; bill darker.
First Winter:	Gray mantle and scapulars, blackish primaries, gray streaks on head and underparts, dark tail band. Dark-tipped pink bill.
Similar Species:	Differs from Yellow-legged and Armenian Gulls by much smaller size, more rounded head, and delicate greenish bill.
Behavior:	Flight appears buoyant with deep wingbeats.
Habitat:	Large lakes, reservoirs.
Food:	Invertebrates, fish.