Distribution of northwestern Herring Gulls

I recently outlined that the so-called "Thayer's Gull" is not a subspecies of Iceland Gull as parroted by numerous authorities, but rather represents the northwesternmost cline of Herring Gull (or American Herring Gull, as per Clements' latest whims). As is expected for anything that dares threaten the sacred taxonomic status quo, my findings have been treated with unwarranted skepticism, and, from some quarters, outright hostility. I was pleased, however, that a select few have met it with discussion and thought-provoking questions! Dismissers, take note: this is the appropriate response to careful research presented by an experienced figure. This post is intended for those who are not afraid to question existing "authorities" when data points in a new direction. Distribution of the northwestern Herring Gull. To reiterate, this entity represents a broad cline and should not be recognized as distinct from Herring Gull in any way, shape, or form. The isolated island nesting grounds of this gradient allow for slight phenotypic differentiation, as has been observed in countless other taxa. Through personal observations and experience, as well as countless correspondences with legitimate ornithological contacts, I have compiled a thorough diagram detailing the nesting locales and primary wintering range of northwestern Herring Gull.


Figure 1: a map showcasing the distribution of Herring Gull in North America, customized to include (and for the purposes of this article highlight) the northwestern cline.
Common variations present in northwestern Herring Gulls found during the nonbreeding season can largely be attributed to the regional influences of different island populations. For example, dark-eyed "American Herring"-type (eastern/taiga) birds likely nest in central Baffin Island, while "Thayer's"-type (northwestern) individuals with extensive black in primaries probably originate on Devon, Cornwallis, Bathurst, or Russell Islands. All of this supports that northwestern Herring Gull should be treated as a cline rather than a distinct taxa; a classic example of Weber's rule across a latitudinal gradient.



Expect updates in the coming days. Gene.






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