Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 3cy, March 17 2003, Boulogne- sur-Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

A strong, powerful bird, probably a male. This is an example of a bird with many dark scapulars, mixed with older bleached brown or patterned feathers. The scapulars contrast with the barred second generation lesser coverts. Most of the wing-coverts are still barred as is the common pattern on second generation feathers, but a few inner wing-coverts and upper tertials appear fresher. They were moulted again in the partial moult in autumn and contrast with the worn adjacent feathers. Note the small white tips on the primaries. Note also the second generation tail-feathers.