Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis)

Identification & Behavior: ~37 cm (14.5 in). The Brown-hooded Gull in basic plumage is white with a light gray back and wing coverts and a distinctive black spot in the ear area. Juvenile birds are mostly white with black ear spot, brownish mottling on top and sides of the head, and reddish bill with black tip, and reddish legs. The juvenile and adult in basic plumage show a small black or dusky crescent or shadow in front of the eye. Birds in alternate plumage show a dark-brown head and white eyering, and red-wine bill and legs.  See basic plumages and first-year juveniles of Gray-hooded Gull and Andean Gull.

Status: The Brown-hooded Gull is a rare vagrant along the coast of Peru. Records appear to be increasing, or perhaps it was previously overlooked. It also occurs in Br and Ch.

Name in Spanish: Gaviota de Capucha Café.

Sub-species: Brown-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus maculipennis), M. H. C. Lichtenstein 1823.

Meaning of Name: Chroicocephalus: Gr. khroizö= color and kephalos, kephale= his head. maculipennis: L. macula= painted and pennis, penna= wing feathers, feather.

See more of the Family Laridae