Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

LBBG 2cy, October 05 2002, Dannes - Portel, NW France. 

A bird with third generation rectrices in autumn. This is most probably an intermedius LBBG, as the general appearance suggests. These rectrices were moulted very recently and the fringe is still very neat. R1 and R3 show a very small black spot near the top of the feathers.

Primary P8 is fully grown, P9 and P10 still have to grow a few inches. The complete moult is almost finished with only these outer primaries still growing, but the partial moult in the wing-coverts has started. Again, some of the median coverts are replaced again, while the older median coverts have the fringes slightly worn. As can be found in many LBBG's by earl October, the central greater coverts are very fresh.