The partial autumn moult (post-juvenile moult into so-called "first winter") started right from the moment the nest was abandoned last summer and ended last September. In this bird, the partial moult included the head and under-parts and most of the wing-coverts. The buff-brown juvenile 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 hardly extending over the crown. The mantle and scapulars have been replaced for second generation feathers which are all grey. The upper tertials were included in the partial autumn moult, with the new second generation feathers appearing plain grey. Note the worn tips in the lowest tertials, indicating that the fringes are worn and those feathers are not fresh. The inner greater coverts have been replaced as well and are plain grey, as in the upper tertials. The central and outer greater coverts are still juvenile, slightly brownish hued on the grey centres and worn at the fringes. In this individual, the partial moult in the wing-coverts has been extensive, with most of the median, lower lesser and lesser coverts replaced for plain grey second generation wing-coverts.

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.