Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

LBBG 3cy BLB L-92923 May 29 2003, Zeebrugge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium,, the Netherlands. Pictures Mars Muusse. 

This bird was ringed ‘BLB L-92923’ as a nestling at Zeebrugge on 9th July 2001. Commonly, all the primaries, secondaries and rectrices are retained through winter and spring, as on this bird. Note that few wing coverts and upper tertials have been renewed in the winter quarters. Some scapulars have also been retained but, in general, the brown wing covert panel contrasts with the grey saddle. This is a typical 3cy graellsii with a black tip to the bill.