Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) sub-adult, August 2000, Le Portel - Boulogne sur Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

Clearly an immature GBBG, which is replacing the greater coverts. The inner greater coverts are still old, the outer coverts have been shed and in the centre a new all-black one is growing. The outer median coverts are new and all-black. Note the old outer primaries which still have to be shed. Compared to 2nd calendar years, adults and near-adults are a few primaries behind in moult.