Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) E703 2003, 2004, 2009, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E).

Ringed in 2001, on the northern isle of Terschelling, the Netherlands. 

2 images below: Larus marinus 3cy E703 August 15 2003, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E).

Typical 3cy Great Black-backed Gull. Outer primaries P9-P10 still old second generation, P10 without a mirror. P6 fully grown, third generation with a large white tip. Note the dark iris and the extensive dark band on the bill.

1 image below: Larus marinus 3cy E703 December 14 2003, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E).

Complete moult finished by December with all primaries fully grown.

1 image below: Larus marinus 4cy E703 July 27 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E). Picture by Jaco Walhout.

P7-P10 still old. Complete moult well underway, with median coverts, lower lesser coverts, inner greater coverts and upper tertials replaced.

2 images below: Larus marinus 4cy E703 August 12 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E).

P8-P10 still old. Complete moult progresses in the median coverts (now complete), lower lesser coverts (almost complete), innermost and outermost greater coverts (growing) and upper tertials replaced, lower tertials missing. Note the markings on the third generation tail.

image below: Larus marinus 4cy E703 November 21 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E). Picture Pim Wolf.

P8 fully grown. Complete moult in the wing-coverts and tail completed. Note much black on the bill.

image below: Larus marinus 4cy E703 November 28 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E). Picture Pim Wolf.

image below: Larus marinus 4cy E703 November 19 2007, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E). Picture Pim Wolf.

image below: Larus marinus 9cy E703 October 30 2009, Westkapelle, the Netherlands (51.33N-03.25E).