Bird Description

Increasing in range, and often a familiar bird of s. coastal areas. Frequently found sitting around marinas and on pilings. Often tame and a fisherman's favorite (and vice versa when fed). Increasingly wanders n. in summer. Often soars over beach in groups of 5-25. Spectacular plunge-dive when fishing but also feeds from sitting position. Large and cumbersome, but always attracts attention. ID: Ad br: dark rear neck and funky bill colors. Ad nonbr: white neck and duller bill. 3rd-year: as adult with a few imm feathers on underparts. 2nd-year: appears grayish with streaked underparts (dark in adults, white in 1st-years), gray on crown and bill. Juv: neat brown upperparts and neck, pale below.