Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(3 images) LBBG 2cy, August 15 2003, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

A 2cy LBBG, with an average moult score: P7 is fully grown and no juvenile primaries left. A rather dark bird. In the wing-coverts, the last phase involves the central greater coverts and lesser coverts in the carpal edge. In the ordinary moult sequence, LBBG finish with about greater coverts #7-8 and the outermost lesser coverts in the upper row. As can be seen in the image, those central greater coverts are only slightly short compared to the adjacent feathers. However some lower lesser coverts are still missing and probably these feathers will be replacements of post-juvenile feathers, they will now be third generation.