3cy Baltic Gull L f fuscus

Baltic Gull - Larus fuscus fuscus

1-3: © Hannu Koskinen, 11-07-2007. Nokia, Finland

Birds like this Finnish individual are extremely difficult to age with complete confidence: is it a very advanced 2cy bird or a somewhat retarded 3cy bird? The outer primaries in both wings are very worn and pointed, indicating that they could very well be juvenile feathers. The bird currently appears to be moulting the inner primaries to third generation feathers, a common feature in the most advanced 2cy fuscus. However, the outer secondaries have large white tips and appear to be third generation feathers, which cannot not be present yet in a 2cy fuscus. Also, P4-9, are already quite worn; they are dark brown rather than glossy black as they should be in a 2cy bird. Finally, several of the rectrices are already completely white. The ring confirmed that this is a somewhat retarded 3cy fuscus with a plumage and bare part colouration often associated with 2cy birds.