Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

LBBG 2cy, October 01 2001, Le Portel, NW France. 

Here is an example of intermediate patterning in 2cy LBBG: most recently moulted feathers have barring but a few (3 inner greater coverts, 2 lower and 2 upper scapulars) have a greyish base with an accentuated black shaft. These grey feathers turn dirty brown with age. The central greater coverts show a dense barring, but from #10 outwards, feathers are more homogeneously patterned.
Feathers which belong to the same generation are not necessarily identical patterned.