Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(2 images) LBBG 2cy PZP September 21 2002, Le Portel, NW France.

The primary moult pace is average for 2cy Lesser Black-backed Gulls with P9 fully grown. The primaries are slightly paler, brown, than the primaries of two intermedius present at the same location. These intermedius have the primaries jet-black. The rectrices are all second generation tail-feathers with the fringes at the tips worn away. The second generation wing-coverts which were replaced in the complete moult last summer show a diffuse smudgy pattern of fine vermiculated barring. The partial wing-covert moult is well visible with the inner three greater coverts replaced and #5 and #8 missing. All the median coverts are missing and about 7 lower lesser coverts are missing.

This is a small (female?) graellsii LBBG from Suffolk, Britain. Below: with michahellis (left) and supposed intermedius 3cy (right).