Adult: Pale gray mantle.  Wingtips black, with dots seen in flight. A black ring girds the yellow bill. Yellow legs, Yellow eye. Tan streaks on head and nape. Neck, breast and tail are white. 

Breeding adult: Head and neck white - streaks are lost. 

Immature: Mottled gray-brown above. Narrow tail band on white tail. Black-tipped pink bill and feet.  

Habitat: All saltwater and freshwater habitats. Shopping centers, parking lots, urban areas and landfills, and unfortunately, airports. 

A Florida resident October through May. 

Text by Mary Jean Rogers, West Volusia Audubon.

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