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 clearly delayed bird, regarding the moult in the scapulars. New scapulars have been growing in in the upper scapulars. The moulted scapulars show a buffish centre, contrasting with the dark brown anchor patterns. The lower upper scapulars and the lower scapulars are still predominantly juvenile, with a few feathers missing. Moult is still in progress. This is an example of 2cy GBBG with all tertials and wing-coverts still juvenile, but still very fresh in appearance with deep brown barring, not bleached. By March, primary moult has still not started in 2cy birds.