Photo 15: LBBG intermedius(?) adult, June 17 2001, Missouriweg Maasvlakte, the Netherlands.

Here, a LBBG with extremely fresh primaries, a very uncommon feature in June, since graellsii and intermedius moult the primaries in October (p10 normally full-grown in November, see adults in winter plumage. Bare parts, tail, wing and body plumage adult, without signs of immaturity.

Apparently, some Dutch intergrades and some intermedius like this one, return from the wintering grounds with brand new primaries. In this respect they resemble eastern races in spring, like heuglini and vegae, which finish primary moult in the winter quarters. Unlike these races, we did not come across adults with a defined division between inner and outer primaries (though immatures may show this feature, see the sub-adult and 3cy sections).