What color is the head plumage of an adult Sabine’s Gull in breeding season?
Answer
Charcoal gray hood
During the breeding season, the adult Sabine's Gull displays its most diagnostic pattern, featuring a striking charcoal gray hood that covers the head. This dark hood is sharply outlined or edged in black around the neck and face, creating a high contrast against the predominantly white plumage underneath the body. This bold head coloration is completely lost during the non-breeding season when the head transitions to white.
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