Photo 2: LBBG adult, September 30 2001, Dannes (near Le Portel), France.

An adult LBBG probably from the race intermedius. Median coverts were recently renewed and the central greater coverts are still growing (moult progresses inwards, resulting in greater covert #6 shorter than #7, which in turn is shorter than #8). Faint dark marking on the bill are hardly visible as obscured by clay and another possible clue for sub-adultness are the white tips of the recently moulted upper tertials which are confined to the inner webs.

Otherwise a very adult plumage, with p6 growing and p9 and p10 still old. Note the p8-print on p9, now p8 has been shed.

Note the growing upper lower scapulars and missing feathers.