Thayer's Gull was long one of the most controversial identification challenges in North American birding — it was recognized as a full species from 1973 to 2017, when the AOS merged it back into Iceland Gull as a subspecies. It breeds on High Arctic cliffs in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and winters along the Pacific Coast. Its intermediate appearance between Herring and Iceland Gulls made it the center of fierce identification debates for decades.
Best time to see a Thayer's Gull
The best time to see a Thayer's Gull is December–February, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,963 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Thayer's Gull? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Thayer's Gull sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted a Thayer's Gull?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.