Western Gull (Larus occidentalis)
Number of accepted Western Gull records for Louisiana = 2 as of 25th Report of the LBRC (2022)
Accepted Records
One female (1996-89) in second basic plumage on 27 October 1996, Lafourche: Fourchon Beach; B. Mac Myers III (LSUMZ 162293) and Robert D. Purrington; Donna L. Dittmann (*; B-29052). The DNA of this individual was analyzed by Pierre-Andre Crochet and Sarah Sonsthagen and is consistent with this species. Morphology and plumage are also consistent with subadult Western Gull. This represents a first state record and the only well-documented record in the southeastern region.
Photos by Donna L. Dittmann
see also: NEWSLETTER OF THE
LOUISIANA BIRD RECORDS COMMITTEE: Annual Report 2008
One second-year immature (2018-091) on 11-13 September 2018, Caddo: Shreveport,
Cross Lake; Charles E. Lyon (ph). This represents the second accepted state occurrence.
Photo by Charles E. Lyon
Unaccepted Records
One second year immature (1989-142) on 2 August 1989, Cameron: Cameron, East Jetty Beach (sketch). This potential first state record began circulation almost 20 years ago but did not receive all Member votes during the first circulation and was eventually withdrawn from circulation. Additional supporting information included letters from Paul E. Lehman and Jonathan L. Dunn. Review was resumed in early 2020 and, ultimately, a majority of Members were not in favor of acceptance because there were no photographs for this potential first state record.
One adult (1996-031) on 27 April 1996, Cameron: Holly Beach; (photos). Although the bird superficially resembled a Western Gull, a majority of Members believed that the bird more likely represented a hybrid, possibly Herring Gull X Great Black-backed Gull.