Photo 12: LBBG (sub)adult female?,
April 16 2001, Nachtegalenkeet, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands.
5cy LBBG are extremely hard to separate from full-adults and research has to
make clear whether some features pointing to sub-adultness don't occur in adults
as well (e.g. dark markings on the bill). In adults as well, a reduced black bill-band may be seen
and in
spring the coverts may appear brown-hued in some full-adults. The features apply on this
presumed LBBG.
The inner median coverts and upper tertials show a brown cast and almost
all the lesser coverts are brownish hued as well.
The black markings on the bill may suggest last winter a clearer bill-band
might have been visible.
Otherwise all characteristics indicate adultness.
In LBBG, males normally show a more robust jizz, stronger and normally
have a much more aggressive facial expression than females. The
delicate head and friendly impression this bird gives, suggests it's a
female.
Whatever the exact age may be of this individual, it was holding a territory in the colony and probably mated this season.