Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

LBBG 2cy, October 14 2001, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

An advanced LBBG with new grey greater coverts, but still with a predominantly black bill. In the median coverts, new grey feathers as well as old plain brown medians can be seen. The tail has some feathers almost white and with black spaghetti pattern on others. In this respect, the tail could be third generation as well. Nevertheless, the all dark fresh primaries, without white tips and the secondaries (just visible) with spaghetti pattern are clues for 2cy. The slender bill and friendly facial expression may suggest intermedius.