Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

LBBG 3cy November 08 2001, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

This bird clearly shows what may be expected in 3cy (third winter) LBBG:

• Very pale legs and much black on the bill, combined with a pinkish base;
• The old coverts extensively brown bleached;
• New tertials show a grey base with a white tip which is confined to the inner-web. Old tertials are either brownish bleached or show a dark brown-black centre and vermiculation on the upper half;
• One scapular covert (the lower) has a rather brownish centre, not pure grey as in adults;
• Some of the recently moulted rectrices show black isolated spots near the centre (often found in the inner tail-feathers);
• Primaries show very small white tips;
• The mirror on p10 is relatively small in size;
• Primary moult score is high on average. In this individual 50, all primaries have been renewed and are full-grown.