July: 3cy fuscus

updated: 20-07-2005

Ageing primaries in 3cy fuscus

Larus fuscus is a long distance migrant with an aberrant moult sequence compared to other large gulls in NW Europe. The primaries are already replaced within half a year, on the wintering grounds in a periodische Staffelmauser, or step-wise moult sequence, as described by Stresemann & Stresemann in 1966. As a result, most 2cy fuscus return in Scandinavia with a new set of (inner) primaries. Many 2cy birds even succeed in replacing the complete flight feathers set. Subsequently, primary moult continues both on breeding grounds and in winter quarters in immature birds, interrupted by migration. Moult can be arrested or suspended anywhere in the primaries, but in the field this phenomenon is most obvious in the outer primaries P5-P10, creating a clear division between fresh and old primaries. As moult progresses in "waves", it's often difficult to age the primary generation accurately.
On this page, we enlarge upon primary moult wave sequences in 3cy fuscus, by reconstructing moult sequences of returning ringed birds in SW Finland. We compare 2cy and 3cy moult stages to build a larger picture about the age of primaries, their appearance and the primary moult in immature fuscus.

Research methods

Best results may be expected from an annual observation cycle, but this is very hard to obtain in large gulls, and incredible challenging in fuscus. July 2003 and August 2002, we surveyed primary moult scores in 2cy & 3cy fuscus at Tampere dump in SW Finland, to construct a picture of primary moult sequences in immature fuscus. Sub-adult fuscus is not included in these surveys, as the differences between primaries moulted prior to or after suspension is often difficult to determine in 4cy fuscus. Therefore, we focused on 2cy and 3cy birds only.

In August 2002, 2cy and 3cy fuscus were identified using standard binoculars (8x40 and 10x40 Leica) and telescope (10-60x zoom Leica Televid). Once 2cy or 3cy ringed birds were determined, one person described primary moult scores through binoculars, while the other person tried to photograph the bird with open wings, to check the score and for back-up control of observations.
The method used in July 2003 was slightly different, as only one person was in charge of both describing and photographing birds, but in time, the 2003 period was almost twice as long.
When inner primaries are described on this web-page, this is always supported by pictures of birds with open wings (although not all pictures were good enough to publish here). Sometimes, the moult sequence in the left wing varies from the sequence in the right wing; if so, this is mentioned as well.
To be sure about correct ageing, we only describe colour-ringed or metal-ringed birds at this page. As can be seen in the captions, we received ringing information and life histories of nearly all birds. We believe there are enough clues to include the other birds as well in this 3cy section, and when available, more details on these ringed birds will be added on this page.

General primary moult sequence in immature fuscus

Fuscus leave Scandinavia as juvenile birds (1cy). Most birds migrate to the Mediterranean and Africa in complete juvenile plumage with fresh first generation primaries. In Scandinavia, fuscus are not seen in winter and absent until early summer of the next year. Ring recoveries suggest that only small numbers of 2cy birds return, the vanguard arriving on July 01. Many 2cy birds return with completely replaced primaries and secondaries, now second generation. Often, P10 is included in this moult as well. The second generation outer primary P10 has no mirror. While spending the summer months in Scandinavia, the next moult wave is started at the inner primaries. This moult wave is suspended for migration in autumn.
One year later, 3cy fuscus again return in Scandinavia in spring, often showing a clear division between fresh inner primaries and old outer primaries. The inner primaries show neat white tips, while the outer primaries are paler brown and worn. Most 3cy birds show a well-defined mirror on P10, indicative for third generation. Arrested moult in the primaries is often reflected in the secondaries and (to a less extend) in the tail-feathers as well. As was the case in 2cy birds, 3cy start a moult wave in summer as well.

Primary appearance in large gulls as reference

Since fuscus is a long distance migrant, spending "winter" under the equatorial sun, some birds return with strongly worn and bleached primaries. In many cases, the exact age of the primaries is hard to determine in this condition. As a reference, we first describe the ordinary appearance of primaries in graellsii / intermedius, which are closely related taxa with primary moult in summer in NW Europe. The general appearance of primaries in graellsii / intermedius is slightly different from fuscus, as graellsii / intermedius moult the primaries half a year later. It's interesting to see the differences in pattern (especially P4-P6) created by this time interval. Remember that the extend of the white mirrors on P9 and P10 is limited in fuscus and may further depend on sexes.

 

graellsii / intermedius in September. (73634 bytes)LBBG graellsii / intermedius 1cy, Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France, September 22 2002. First generation (juvenile) primaries in fresh condition in graellsii / intermedius.
2cy graellsii / intremedius in June.LBBG graellsii / intermedius 2cy, IJmuiden, the Netherlands, June 30 2001. First generation outer primaries in worn condition in graellsii / intermedius. Primaries already 12 months old. Primary moult started; the 4 inner primaries now 2nd generation.
2cy graellsii / intermedius in September. (96986 bytes)LBBG graellsii / intermedius 2cy, Brouwersdam, the Netherlands, September 02 2001.Second generation primaries in fresh condition in graellsii / intermedius. PMS (primary moult score): 43.
3cy graellsii / intermedius in May. (72167 bytes)LBBG graellsii / intermedius 3cy, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands, May 31 2002. Second generation primaries in worn condition in graellsii / intermedius. Primaries already 10 months old. Note the bleached brown inner primaries and note the absence of black sub-terminal markings on P4-P6.
3cy graellsii / intermedius in September. (87308 bytes)LBBG graellsii / intermedius 3cy, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands, September 02 2001. Third generation primaries in fresh condition in graellsii / intermedius. Note the black sub-terminal bands on P4-P6 and old 2nd generation outer primaries, P10 mirror absent.
sub-adult "Dutch intergrade" in June.LBBG graellsii / intermedius 4cy, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands, June 16 2001. Third generation primaries in worn condition in graellsii / intermedius. Primaries already 10 months old. Note the bleached brown outer primaries and abrasion on the fringes. The white tips wear away easily.
sub-adult graellsii / intermedius in September. (90794 bytes)LBBG graellsii / intermedius 4cy, Maasvlakte, the Netherlands, September 17 2001. Fourth generation primaries in fresh condition in graellsii / intermedius. Note mirror on old P10. 

Primary moult in immature fuscus: literature

The primary moult in immature fuscus has been described poorly in earlier papers, but much changed with the publications by Jonsson (1998) and Rauste (1999).

According to Jonsson, 2cy fuscus start to moult the fight-feathers after finishing the replacement of wing-coverts by late January or February. Jonsson describes ten 2cy fuscus from late January in Israel and none had shed any primary yet.
In museum collections, he found four birds: one 2cy fuscus from late January, growing P1 and P2. Two other birds from April, found in Angola moulted the inner primaries (moult scores 13 and 46) and another bird from Aden almost finished its primary moult by early May (moult score 39). For explanation of moult scores: see Topography Section. A summary of the Jonsson article can be found here.

Initiating of primary moult in February nicely fits the fuscus picture, as this replacement takes an average 4 months. Hence, 2cy birds are just in time to finish this moult to migrate north again by late-May – June.

From 1995 to 1998 Jonsson described 2cy fuscus after arrival at Gotland, south Sweden, and these birds showed a wide range of variation. Most 2cy birds finished moulting all of the flight-feathers (e.g. MC24 & C3VS) and a minority arrested moult in the primaries prior to migration (e.g. C5UJ). However, some 2cy fuscus return in Scandinavia with all flight feathers still juvenile (e.g. this bird).

This is in line with the findings of Rauste. He estimates that 60-70% of 2cy birds return in Finland with complete new flight-feathers. He examined 19 2cy fuscus in Finland; 15 individuals had replaced all the primaries. Second generation primaries show rounded tips (unlike the pointed juvenile primaries) and the P10 mirror is absent. A mirror on P10 is very rare, but can be possible in some 2cy birds. Rauste: "In einem Fall habe ich im Juni kleinen Spiegelfleck einer erneuerten H10 gesehen.". It is not clear whether these birds spend the winter in the Mediterranean or in Africa. After arrival in Finland, most 2cy fuscus (70-80%) initiate the next moult, now moulting the inner primaries to 3rd generation (e.g. CJUC).
A minority of 2cy fuscus return with several (20 out of 64, fig 32) or all (0 out of 64, fig 32) primaries still juvenile, and these birds continue/start primary moult in Finland (see 2cy July section). Interestingly, it may thus be possible to see two 2cy fuscus, both moulting the inner primaries. One bird moulting to 2nd generation, the other moulting to 3rd generation. Rauste examined one colour-ringed bird which continued moult in the outer primaries and in the mean time started moulting the inner primaries (P1-P2 fresh 3rd generation, P3 missing, P4-P8 2nd generation, P9-P10 growing 2nd generation). Such a moult wave is also showed by this 2cy bird.

Figure 32 from Rauste (1999): Progress of primary moult in fuscus (n=64) during the 2cy summer. The figures in the lower part give the number of retained juvenile primaries (10 = still complete juvenile primaries, 0 = 1st moult completed); the upper part shows the progress of the 2nd moult, the figures give the number of renewed 3rd generation primaries (an upward stroke on the symbols means that these birds have completed the 1st moult, but it is unknown if they have started the 2nd).

Most 2cy birds remain at the wintering grounds or rich feeding grounds at stop-overs, and this is confirmed by colour-ringed Finnish 2cy fuscus. Rauste: "... mindestens 5-10% der Vögel im 2en KJ für kurze Zeit im Hochsommer in die Brutgebiete zurückkehren. Die meisten dieser Vögel wurden zwischen Mitte Juni und Ende August gesehen." Rauste stresses that, since such a large proportion of 2cy birds do not return in Finland, moult sequences may develop in a different way in these birds; different from what he described from his field observations in Finland.

The second renewal of the primaries start in the summer months in Scandinavia, but fuscus moult central and outer primaries in Africa again. Jonsson examined eight birds from museum collections and there is a lot of irregularity involved in moult sequences of autumn 2cy birds. In his opinion, 2cy birds in autumn are not moulting the primaries in the ordinary sequence (from P1 to P10), but in “waves”. Jonsson doesn’t further enlarge upon these waves, but the final result, when 3cy birds arrive in spring, are obvious visual moult steps in the primaries (normally at P6, P7, P8 or P9). This pattern of arrested moult is regularly found in 3cy fuscus and must be a common characteristic.

Jonsson examined two 2cy birds found in Africa in October; both were actively moulting the outer primaries. This is a nice example of “continuation after suspension”. Prior to spring migration, 3cy fuscus arrest primary moult again in the outer primaries, resulting in the obvious moult step when they return in Sweden by late-April and early-May. The obvious mirror on P10 can be explained by the late requirement of this second-generation P10, which is therefore more adult-like in appearance.

Rauste estimates that a large proportion of 3cy fuscus return to Scandinavia. He doesn't describe the exact generation of the primaries, but like Jonsson, he stresses the division in the primaries in 3cy fuscus: "Die Handschwingen stammen in der Regel aus zwei Generationen, was an stehenden Vögel nur zu erkennen ist, wenn die Mausergrenze innerhalb der äusseren 5-(6) Handschwingen liegt." The inner primaries are adult-like, the outer primaries are more or less worn and bleached brown.
In some individuals, primary moult simply shows a chaotic sequence. This probably results from the aberrant moult stage in which some individuals arrive at the wintering grounds and continue the moult after suspension. Many 3cy fuscus already start primary moult in the inner flight-feathers in Scandinavia (e.g. CNMR), only to suspend this moult during migration and continue moult on the wintering grounds as 3cy-4cy birds, just like adults.

arrested and suspended primary moult
There may be many reasons for an individual to 'arrest' or 'suspend' primary moult, normally because other energy consuming processes have to start (e.g. migration) but also malnutrition. Moult is arrested or suspended when the ordinary replacement of the primaries is not finished. After continuation of the moult cycle, we distinguish between arrested moult and suspended moult.
suspended moult
After the moult break, the ordinary sequence is picked up again at the point where moult was halted, hence the primary moult cycle is completed after a time interval.
arrested moult
The complete moult sequence is not finished, but the outer primaries are left old. The division between new and old primaries remain. Instead, a new moult wave is initiated at the ordinary starting point: P1. As a result, three generation of primaries will be present in the wing.
two moult waves
Some birds show a combination of arrested and suspended moult and start two moult waves after the moult break. The original moult sequence is completed in the outer-wing, while a simultaneous moult wave is started at P1.

Primary moult in 2cy fuscus: observations in Finland

In Finland we encountered only small numbers of 2cy birds in July and August (daily maximum about 30 birds), of which five ringed birds and one 2cy bird was ringed at the spot. Four of these birds show completely replaced flight-feathers: primaries P1-P10 all 2nd generation, with rounded tips and P10 lacking a mirror. Two birds arrested primary moult at P9, leaving P10 still juvenile in summer. One single juvenile outer primary seems to be no problem and the replacement of such remaining feathers may take another half year, at the wintering grounds. See e.g. CNMR, an individual which arrested moult at P9, which re-appeared with second generation P10 in 3cy. 
Out of the six ringed birds, two started a new moult wave to third generation in Scandinavia: C6XV and CJUC. Most 2cy birds leave Tampere dump between mid-August to September, and presumably 2cy don't initiate primary moult in Scandinavia in these months, just before migration.

primary scores in ringed 2cy fuscus, Tampere Finland 2002 & 2003
ring: date: presence at Tampere:

primary score:

C2WJ
C3VS
C5UJ
C6XV
CJUC
CNMR
MC24
August 12 2002
July 16-17 2003
August 08 2002
August 07 2002
July 14-17 2003
August 10 2002
July 09-17 2003

2002-08-12
?
2002-08-02 - 2002-08-18
2002-07-09 - 2002-08-12
2003-07-14 - 2003-07-27
? - 2002-08-11
2003-06-? - 2003-07-?

P3-P10 2nd gen, P1 3rd gen, P2 grow
P1-P10 2nd gen
P10 juv, P1-P9 2nd gen
P6-P10 2nd gen, P1-P3 3rd gen, P4 grow, P5 miss
P3-P10 2nd gen, P1 grow 3rd gen, P2 miss 
P10 juv, P1-P2 missing, P3-P9 2nd gen
P1-P10 2nd gen

From these data it may be concluded:
- Some 2cy fuscus arrest moult prior to migration in 2cy spring. 
- If they do arrest moult, this is no limitation to continue moult at P1, leaving P10 juvenile.
- Initiation of primary moult to 3rd generation may occur in 2cy fuscus in summer (July & August).

Primary moult in 3cy fuscus: observations in Finland

 

primary scores in 21 ringed 3cy fuscus, Tampere Finland 2002 & 2003.

I: all primaries 2nd generation

ring: at Tampere:

primary score:

C0NM

2003 July 10-17

P1-P3 missing/growing, P4-P10 2nd gen

II: outer primaries 2nd generation, inner primaries 3rd generation
ring: at Tampere:

primary score:

C0AV
C1HA
C1SM
C1XS
C2A5
C3NN
C3UY
C3XA
C4A1
C4CM
C4H7
C4XR
C5H8
C6NS
C7XN
C8CM
C8HA
C8XC

2003 July 12
2003 July
14-17
2002 August 0
6-09
2003 July 11-16
2003 July 10-17
2003 July 09-17
2003 July 09-17
2003 July 09-11
2003 July 09-11
2003 July
12-17
2003 July 10-16
2003 July 09-17
2003 July 10-17
2003 July 10-15
2003 July 09-11
2003 July 09-11
2003 July 12
2003 July 10-11

P9-P10 2nd gen 
P1-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen
P7-P10 2nd gen
P6-P10 2nd gen
P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
P9-P10 2nd gen
P9-P10 2nd gen
P9-P10 2nd gen
P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
P8-P10 2nd gen
P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
P1-P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
P1-P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 2nd gen
P1-P2 4th gen, P3-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen
P9-P10 2nd gen
P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen (P10 small mirror)
P1-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen
P1-P3 grow 4th gen,  P4-P5 3rd gen, P6-P10 2nd gen

III: all primaries 3rd generation
ring: at Tampere:

primary score:

C5XE

2003 July 10-16

P1-P10 3rd gen

IV: outer primaries 3rd generation, inner primaries 4th generation & active moult
ring: at Tampere:

primary score:

C2WJ

2003 July 10-16

P1 missing, P2-P10 3rd gen

Brown inner primaries, outer primaries lack clear white tips, no mirror on P10. This is the ordinary appearance of the western taxa graellsii and intermedius and applies to 2nd generation primaries. There was only one such observation among ringed fuscus in Finland: C0NM. Apparently this is an uncommon moult strategy among fuscus and can be regarded as 'delayed' .

Brown primaries with obvious mirror on P10. P10 mirror explained by late moult of this primary on the wintering grounds, but actually all primaries still 2nd gen. In the checked group of 3cy fuscus, there were no such birds. Probably, birds that moult P10 in a late stage, continue with the inner primaries.

Outer primaries brown and bleached, no mirror or faint mirror on P10, while inner primaries are fresh, blackish with obvious tips. Combination of 3rd gen inner primaries and old 2nd gen outer primaries.

Outer primaries brown, second generation. No mirror on P10 Inner primaries obviously white tipped third generation. This is the largest class of birds. The division is often in the outer primaries, at P6, P7 or P8. Generally this can be regarded as 'common strategy'. 

Outer primaries blackish, obvious mirror on P10. P10 and probably all primaries 3rd gen. Only one such bird was found: C9NN. 

Outer primaries blackish with an obvious mirror on P10, probably third generation. The inner primaries are fresh, adult-like, probably fourth generation. Combination of 4th gen inner primaries and older 3rd gen outer primaries. A few birds show this strategy. To conduct such a moult pattern, these birds must have advanced moult in 2cy.

The last group include birds with 'really aberrant' moult schemes, which may be classified as waves. Illustrative for this group is C5XM.

References

Jonsson L. 1998. Baltic Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus fuscus – moult, ageing and identification. Birding World Vol 11 no 8.

Stresemann E. & Stresemann V. 1966. Die Mauser der Vögel. Journ f Ornith. (sonderheft) 224-232.

Rauste, V. (1999). Kennzeichen und Mauser von "Baltischen Heringmöwen" Larus [fuscus] fuscus und "Tundramöwen" Larus [fuscus] heuglini Limicola 13:105-128 (Part I) & 13:153-188 (Part II).

Tables:

3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (77044 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C1HA, July 14-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (89983 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C8HA, July 12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (90783 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C1XE, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested at P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (79688 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C1XS, July 11-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Left wing: Primary moult arrested at P5.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (74544 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C5XE, July 10-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. P1-P3 new, P4 missing, P5-P10 old.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (75915 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C5XM, July 10-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Left wing: P1-P2 old 2nd generation, P3-P5 3rd gen, P6-P8 old 2nd gen, P9-P10 fresh 2nd gen.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (81147 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C0XC, July 10-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested at P6.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (81323 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C8XC, July 10-11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Active moult in the inner primaries.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (94143 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C2A5, July 10-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Palkan, Finland on June 25 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested at P7.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (92444 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C2A8, July 12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (82804 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C3A4, July 11-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Palkan, Finland on June 25 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested at P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (88990 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C3A9, July 09-12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Palkan, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested at P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (82014 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4A1, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Palkan in 2001. Primary moult arrested at P7.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (87335 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4H7, July 10-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Pälkäne, in June 2001. Primary moult arrested at P7.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (79891 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4H9, July 10-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Pälkäne, in June 2001. Primary moult arrested at P5.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (74364 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C5H8, July 10-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Pälkäne, Finland on June 26 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested: P1-P6 fresh.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (75838 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6H5, July 09-16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Luopio, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested: P1-P6 fresh glossy black with neat white-grey tips. Outer primaries bleached brown.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (86249 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6H8, July 11-14 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Luopio, Finland on June 28 2001, now in 3cy. Small mirror on P10.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (77993 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C3NN, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primaries P1-P8 3rd generation, P9-P10 still old 2nd generation.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (86871 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4NN, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primaries, secondaries and rectrices all 3rd generation.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (90453 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C9NN, July 09-12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on June 24 2001, now in 3cy. Primaries, secondaries and rectrices all 3rd generation.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (90726 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C0AV, July 12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (77394 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C0NM, July 10-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Active moult in the inner primaries: P1 new, P2-P3 missing.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (83775 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy CNMR, July 11-12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Active moult in the inner primaries: P1 new, P2 growing, P3-P4 missing.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (82718 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C2WJ, July 11-12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. P1 missing, P2-P10 old.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (85178 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C3XA, July 09-11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (84038 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4XR, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P6.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (63867 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6XP, July 15 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (84893 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C7XN, July 09-11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult was arrested: primaries P1-P8 are glossy black with the tips already slightly worn. Almost no black on the bill.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (70791 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6NS, July 10-15 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Arrested moult at P8, moult continued at P1: now three generation primaries.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (68408 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C7WE, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Luhank, Finland in 2001. Arrested moult at P5.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (89825 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6WM, July 10-13 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Kanala, Finland on July 07 2001, now in 3cy. C6WM is actively moulting inner primaries in July.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (80832 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C6XM, July 16 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P7.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (71479 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4CM, July 12-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (81386 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C8CM, July 09-11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Ruoves, Finland on July 04 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P7.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (69114 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C3UY, July 09-17 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus at Hauho, Finland on June 30 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (88022 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy C4WV, July 11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed as pullus in July 2001, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (81740 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy CT-128.000, July 12 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P8.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (74471 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy HT-101.379, July 11 2003, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E). Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. All primaries replaced on the wintering grounds.
3cy fuscus in July, ringed in Finland. (86150 bytes)LBBG fuscus 3cy HT-233.009, July 10-12 2003, Finland (61.33N 24.59E), Finland. Ringed in Finland, now in 3cy. Primary moult arrested on P7.
selection of 67 ringed 3cy fuscus, present at Tampere August 06-12 2002 & July 08-17 2003.
ring: date: year: age (in cy): primary moult stage (n = 54):
C0AV   2001-08-07 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old
C0NM   2001-24-06 2003 3 P1 new, P2-3 miss, P4-10 old 2nd gen
C0XC   2001-28-06 2003 3 probably arrested at P6, P7-P10 old
C1HA   2001-30-06 2003 3 P1-P8,P9-P10 2nd gen
C1SM   2000-08-07 2002 3 arrested at P6, P7-P10 2nd gen (P10 small mirror)
C1XE   2001-28-06 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old
C1XS   2001-01-07 2003 3 arrested at P5, P6-P10 2nd gen
C2A5   2001-25-06 2003 3 right wing: P1-P7 new, P8-P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
C2XJ  2001-28-06 2003 3 arrested at P6, P7-P10 old
C3A4   2001-25-06 2003 3 right wing: P1-P8 new, P9-P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
C3A9   2001-26-06 2003 3 P1-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen (P10 large mirror & fresher)
C3NN   2001-24-06 2003 3 left wing: P1 miss, P2-P8 fresh, P9-P10 2nd gen; right wing: P1 present
C3RH   2000-02-07 2002 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old
C3UY   2001-30-06 2003 3 P1-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen
C3XA   2001-28-06 2003 3  P1-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 2nd gen
C3XW  2001-04-07 2003 3 arrested
C4A1  2001-26-06 2003 3 P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
C4CM   2001-04-07 2003 3 right wing: P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
C4H7   2001-25-06 2003 3 P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
C4H9  2001-25-06 2003 3 P1 growing, P2 miss, P3-4 old, P5 fresh, P6-10 2nd gen
C4NN   2001-25-06 2003 3 completed after suspension: P5-P8 old 2nd gen, P9-P10 fresher 2nd gen
C4NS  2001-04-07 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old (10 mini mirror)
C4WV  2001-06-07 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old (P10 mirror)
C4XR   2001-30-06 2003 3 P1-P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 old (P10 mirror)
C5H6  2001-26-06 2003 3 P1-P7 + P9-P10 3rd gen, P8 old 2nd gen
C5H8   2001-26-06 2003 3 P1-P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 2nd gen
C5MW  2001-04-07 2003 3 arrested at P5, P6-P10 old
C5XE   2001-28-06 2003 3 P1-P10 new
C5XM   2001-30-06 2003 3 left wing: P1-P2 old 2nd gen, P3-P5 3rd gen, P6-P8 old 2nd gen, P9-P10 fresh 2nd gen
C6H5   2001-28-06 2003 3 P1-P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 2nd gen
C6NS   2001-04-07 2003 3 P1 grow 4th gen, P2 miss, P3-P8 3rd gen, P9-P10 old 2nd gen
C6WM   2001-07-07 2003 3 P1 new, P2 grow, P3-P10 probably 2nd gen
C6XM   2001-30-06 2003 3 arrested at P7, P8-P10 2nd gen
C6XP   2001-30-06 2003 3 P1-P8 new, P9-P10 2nd gen
C7CK  2001-03-07 2003 3 P1-P10 old
C7RC  2000-01-07 2003 3 P1-P10 3rd gen
C7WE   2001-05-07 2003 3 arrested at P5, P6-P10 old (P10 large mirror)
C7XC  2001-28-06 2003 3 P1 grow, P2 miss, P3-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 old
C7XN   2001-30-06 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 2nd gen
C8CM   2001-04-07 2003 3 P1-P7 3rd gen, P8-P10 2nd gen
C8HA   2001-30-06 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 2nd gen
C8MX  2001-03-07 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old
C8XC   2001-28-06 2003 3 left wing: P1-P2 grow, P3 miss, P4-5 3rd gen, P6-10 2nd gen
C8XM  2001-30-06 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 old
C9NN   2001-25-06 2003 3 P1 new, P2-P10 old
CT128.000 . 2003 3 arrested at P8, P9-P10 2nd gen
HT101.379 . 2003 3 P1-P10 worn 3rd gen
HT233.009 . 2003 3 arrested at P7, P8-P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
C2WJ   2001-04-07 2002 & 2003 2 & 3 2002: P1 3rd gen, P2 grow, P3-P10 2nd gen; 2003: P1 miss, P2-P10 3rd gen (P10 mirror)
CNMR   2002-11-08 2002 & 2003 2 & 3 2002: P1-P2 miss, P3-P9 2nd gen, P10 juv ; 2003: P1 new, P2 grow, P3-4 miss, P5-9 3rd gen, P10 2nd gen (P10 mirror)
CNMN . 2002 & 2003 2+ & 3+ 2002: P1 missing; 2003: P1-P10 old
C1AR  2000-02-07 2002 & 2003 3 & 4 2002: nj; 2003: P1-P10 old
C3RH   2000-02-07 2002 & 2003 3 & 4 2002: arrested at P8, P9-P10 old; 2003: P1-P10 old (P1-P4 obvious fresh)
C6RA   2000-01-07 2002 & 2003 3 & 4 2002: arrested at P2, P3 old & arrested P6 3rd gen, P7-P10 2nd gen; 2003: P1-P10 old
List of 3cy fuscus present at Tampere, but no exact primary moult stage judged (n = 12):
C0RA  2000-01-07 2002 3 nj
C1SN  2000-10-07 2002 3 nj
C2A8   2001-25-06 2003 3 nj
C4A8  2001-26-06 2003 3 nj
C4NR  2001-02-07 2003 3 nj
C5CR  2001-27-06 2003 3 nj
C5YM  2001-07-07 2003 3 nj
C6H8   2001-28-06 2003 3 nj
C6XJ  2001-29-06 2003 3 nj
C6XW  2001-04-07 2003 3 nj
CAH2  2001-06-07 2003 3 nj
HT025.2xx . 2003 3 nj
Notes:
- nj = not judged
-