Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(4 images) LBBG 2cy IE August 29 2003, IJmuiden, the Netherlands.

A local 2cy LBBG, ringed last year at Maasvlakte, near Rotterdam. Primary moult well in line with other local Dutch 2cy LBBG: P1-P8 fully grown. Rectrices all second generation, although outer tail-feathers probably not fully grown. The scapulars are a combination of typical third generation-like grey feathers and older typical second generation-like feathers, showing an anchor pattern.

In the left wing, the tertials have been replaced to second generation feathers in the complete moult and the upper tertials, which are normally moulted first in line already show some abrasion at the fringes. This bird followed the common moult strategy in the wing-coverts, with the first replaced feathers already loosing the warm tones, turning pale-based. Note e.g. the inner greater coverts and inner median coverts. Now the lesser coverts in the carpal edge have been replaced as well, this individual has started the partial autumn moult, as can be seen in the fresh second innermost greater covert, which is a growing, all-grey feather (most probably third generation).