photo 2: Yellow-legged Gull michahellis 2cy,
August 25 2000, Etaples, NW France.
With
an adult michahellis in the background. This is an example of a
"less advanced moult stage". Actually, the real moult stage is
not delayed or less advanced when this individual is compared to other 2cy
michahellis. It's the barred pattern on the recently replaced third
generation feathers that creates a less advanced look. These third generation feathers resemble
second generation feathers in the
bold barred pattern, both on the coverts and on the scapulars.
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