The partial autumn moult (post-juvenile moult into so-called "first winter") started right from the moment the nests was abandoned last summer and ended last September. In this bird, the partial moult included the head and under-parts but hardly any of the wing-coverts. The buff-brown coloration on the head and in the lower hind-neck has been replaced: the head is most white now with a typical black spot on the rear ear-coverts and a dark patch around the eye, in this bird slightly extending over the crown. The mantle and scapulars have been replaced for second generation feathers which are all grey. In the lowest row of scapulars, some feathers were excluded from this partial moult and still are typically brown centred (juvenile) feathers. All tertials and greater coverts are still juvenile. As can be seen, the fringes are worn and the juvenile central and outer greater coverts are most grey in juvenile plumage. Only one (outer) median covert has been replaced, but in general, all wing-coverts are still juvenile. These coverts are brown centred, bleached and worn at the fringes. Note the brown hued outer primaries and the dark tail-band, typical for 1cy birds.

Next moult will take place in early spring (from February to April: moult into so-called "first summer" plumage) and again will include the body and head. The hood will be more or less developed, although often with white flecking. A few individuals may include the central tail-feathers in this partial moult.