Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 27-12-2010)

L. f. graellsii DKA.N 2009 & 2011, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

Ringed adult graellsii "Dutch intergrade" by late October, ringed in Belgium. Ringed as breeding adult on May 16 2006, at Zeebrugge, Belgium. Age: 12th calendar year. Originally ringed as E640, pullus from Europoort Rotterdam, July 09 1995. Sex: female.

below: 15cy DKA.N October 30 2009, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

No old primaries left; P7 fully grown.

below: 16cy DKA.N September 20 2010, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Picture Maarten van Kleinwee.

Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull, moulting to winter plumage (prebasic moult). The majority of the mantle, scapulars, median and lower lesser coverts have been replaced by new feathers, contrasting with the old feathers which have a brown hue. Most of the middle and outer greater coverts have been dropped, thereby exposing the underlying secondaries. P5 is growing, P6 has been dropped. The head shows only light streaking.

below: 17cy DKA.N September 21 2011, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Picture Maarten van Kleinwee.

Adult Lesser Black-backed Gull moulting to winter (basic) plumage. The outer primaries P8, P9 and P10 still have to be shed. Light winter striping can be seen on the head.