Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 3cy, June 14 2002, Le Portel - Boulogne sur Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

Primary moult stage: p6 missing but the print of the primary is clearly visible on p7. All rectrices old second generation.
The first tertial is growing, #2 is missing, #3-6 are still old. Greater covert #1-2 are missing, #3 was incuded in the autumn moult, #4-10 are old second generation and the outer greater coverts are missing. Median covert #1 is still old second generation, #2 is fresh third generation, #3-5 are old third generation, #6-7 are fresh third generation feathers, growing outwards with #7 shorter than #6. The outer medians have largely been renewed for fresh black third generation feathers. In the lower lesser coverts #1-4 are still old second generation feathers, #5 is fresh third generation black, #6 is missing, #7-9 are old second generation and the outer lower lessers are growing inwards. About 60% of the lesser coverts is still old second generation, five feathers are fresh third generation and 25% is missing. Only a few scapulars are brown and abraded; the scapulars and mantle form an almost complete dark saddle, contrasting with the old second generation upper rows of lesser coverts. 

Note the red orbital ring and the first indications red on the gonydeal angle.