Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(3 images) LBBG 1cy NLA 5.xxx.166September 17 2004 Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Pictures Pim Wolf.

A first calendar year bird with a Dutch ring, a 'Dutch intergrade' LBBG. A very advanced individual with a 'random' moult sequence. Most upper scapulars (75-99%) have been replaced for second generation feathers, and about half of the lower scapulars are new (50-75%). In the wing, many feathers have been replaced as well: tertial 1 and 2 are new, greater covert 2, median coverts 1,2 4, 8, 9, 11, 14, lower lesser covert 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 13 are replaced. Research by ORG (Gull Research Organization Netherlands) in breeding colonies near Rotterdam showed that juvenile LBBG may already moult to second generation wing-coverts when birds are still not fledged and attend the parents.