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 is old and p10 shows a small mirror on the outer-web of a second generation primary.
The common appearance of spring 3cy Great lack-backed Gulls: 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. The fresh moulted median coverts create a black bar on the wing-coverts.
Note the red orbital ring and the first indications red on the gonydeal angle.