Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(2 images) LBBG 2cy BLB L-901x95 August 29 2005, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Pictures Pim Wolf.

A 2cy LBBG, ringed in Belgium: Brussels L-901?95. P7 is fully grown and P10 has been dropped. The tail-feathers are almost completely replaced, although (at least) one feather is still growing.

In the wing-coverts, the last phase of the complete moult is nearly finished: the gap in the central greater coverts is closed, but several lesser coverts in the carpal edge are still missing. In the ordinary moult sequence, LBBG finish with about greater coverts #7-8 and the outermost lesser coverts in the upper row. Greater covert #1 and the upper tertial are shed, and probably the partial autumn moult started, including several wing-coverts and tertials.

Most scapulars are still second generation-like in pattern, with a thin black shaft streak and anchor.