Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

LBBG 3cy NLA 5.414.319June 05 2006, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Picture R Altenburg.

The inner primaries P1-P2 are missing/growing, while P3-P10 are still old second generation. All secondaries are also still old second generation. All tail feathers have been replaced recently on the wintering grounds, except R5-R6 on the right side. Only a few wing-coverts have been replaced on the wintering grounds, including greater covert #3, median coverts #3 and #4 and the 3rd (and maybe also 4th) tertials have been replaced.

A 3cy LBBG, ringed on July 09 2004 in the Westduinen, on the island Texel in NW Netherlands. Typical plumage for local birds, in which new white tail-feathers are no acception. The very limited wing-covert moult in combination with such advanced moult in the rectrices makes it an interesting individual all together.