Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

Lesser Black-backed Gull intermedius DKC 4130670 15cy, October 04 2004, Westkapelle, the Netherlands. Picture by Pim Wolf.

Adult 15cy intermedius Lesser Black-backed Gull from Denmark. Ringed as pullus 09 July 1990 at Anholt, Midtjylland, DK (56° 42' 0 , 11° 34' 12).

Primary moult score relatively low for early October, compared to western graellsii: P4 full-grown, P7-P10 still old with a large mirror on P10 (although tips worn). Upper tertials and randomly some coverts moulted as well, standing out against the brown and worn old feathers. There is just a hint of black on the tip of the upper mandible. The red gonydeal spot is confined to the lower mandible, although there is also some orange on the upper mandible. The yellow iris shows no speckling and the orbital ring is coral red. The legs are yellow. Jizz may suggest male, especially stout bill and fierce facial expression.