Gould observed that 'Like many other Arctic birds the Glaucous Gull wanders to more southern countries during the severity of winter, the young birds...proceeding further south and in greater numbers than the adults; hence it is that we more frequently see the former in their immature plumage in the British seas than the adults in their full livery.'

An adult is depicted in summer plumage (foreground) about three-quarters lifesize, a young bird in its first winter plumage behind.

DISTRIBUTION: Breeding distribution circumpolar on arctic islands and tundras between 83°N and 60°N. Winters south Mediterranean (rarely), Black and Caspian seas, coastal China and southern United States. In Britain winter visitor, chiefly late October to March, in small numbers