Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 27-12-2012)

L. f. graellsii 2cy NLA 5.462.871 July 29 2011, Barneveld, the Netherlands. Picture Maarten van Kleinwee.

Ringed as pullus on July 01 2010 at Rotterdam - Europoort, The Netherlands.

Second-calendar year Lesser Black-backed Gull moulting to second-winter (second-basic, second cycle) plumage. The newly acquired coverts and tertials look fresh and show a clear pattern. Some of the inner greater coverts are missing, thereby exposing the underlying (bleached) secondaries. The pointy, first-generation primaries are somewhat bleached.
Dark streaking is visible on the top of the head, the neck, throat, and on the flanks. The iris is dark brown, the bill mostly dark with a pink base. The legs are soft pink.