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).

Another example of the average plumage of mid-May 2cy Great Black-backed Gull. All the rectrices and tertials are still juvenile, but the upper tertail has been shed. 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. Two fresh scapulars can be found in the lowest row of upper scapulars and in spring this might be third generation scapulars.