Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(3 images) LBBG 2cy NOS 4139766 September 29 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Picture Pim Wolf.

The primary moult pace is very delayed compared to average 2cy Lesser Black-backed Gulls with P9-P10 still old and only P7 fully grown. All rectrices have been replaced for second generation tail-feathers with the fringes at the tips slightly worn. The rectrices may well have been moulted on the wintering grounds, about half a year ago. The exact timing of moult in the wing-coverts is difficult to interpret, but most feathers show a second generation-like pattern. However, some feathers are very worn at the fringes, while others, showing a similar pattern are very fresh, e.g. in the median wing-covert bar. In the greater covert bar, three central feathers are old second generation, very bleached brown. The corresponding secondaries underneath are still juvenile, while all other secondaries are second generation (bottom picture).

This is an intermedius LBBG, probably ringed as pullus at Vest-Agder, southern Norway. As soon as data are available, these will be added.