Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 2cy: May 17 2002, Le Portel - Boulogne sur Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

An example of the average plumage of mid-May 2cy Great Black-backed Gull. Primaries p4 is still juvenile. All the tertials are still juvenile and in the wing-coverts the greater and lesser coverts are still juvenile. The central and outer medians have been shed and new feathers are growing in from the outer wing inwards. The lowest row of lower scapulars is is the last moulted row of scapulars and the fresh feathers can be recognized by the ginger tone in the centres and the broad pale fringe.