Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 2cy: March 17 2003, Boulogne- sur-Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

This is a slightly delayed bird, regarding the moult in the scapulars. New scapulars have been growing in in the upper scapulars and the upper row of the lower scapulars. The moulted scapulars show the typical ginger hue; older scapulars have greyish or completely white centres, contrasting with the dark brown anchor patterns. The lowest scapulars are still predominantly juvenile. This is an example of 2cy GBBG with all tertials and wing-coverts still juvenile, but still very fresh in appearance and shows much white, with thin barred patterns. By March, primary moult has still not started in 2cy birds.