Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

LBBG 3cy E546ENovember 27 2003, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Pictures Pim Wolf.

3cy Lesser Black-backed Gull from the Netherlands, ringed at Maasvlakte, Rotterdam on July 01 2001. Classical 3cy showing typical features for Dutch intergrade / graellsii LBBG:

1. The basal half of the bill is yellowish while there is still much dark on the bill, often a complete bill-band;
2. The iris is densely speckled, or, as in this individual, clouded;
3. The lower tertials show obvious dark centres;
4. The greater coverts show dense pale brown barring;
5. The primary coverts have a brownish-whitish tip and have a brown-hued grey centre;
6. The tips of the outer primaries are relatively small, hardly visible and there is a very small mirror on P10.