Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 3cy, March 16 2003, Boulogne- sur-Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

This is an example of a bird with a dark saddle, created by the dark scapulars, contrasting with the barred lesser coverts. Most of the wing-coverts are still barred as is the common pattern on second generation feathers; lacking plain all-dark feathers. A few inner wing-coverts and the upper tertials look more adult-like and fresher; they were moulted again in the partial moult in autumn. Note the small white tips on the primaries and the small mirror on the second generation P10. Note also the second generation tail-feathers.