Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus)

(last update: July 12, 2015)

Coordinators:
Jean-Michel Sauvage (France)
Morten Helberg (Norway)
Nils Helge Lorentzen (Norway)
Mars Muusse (Netherlands)

Great Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus) 3cy, March 17 2003, Boulogne- sur-Mer, France (50.42 N - 01.34 E).

A strong, powerful bird, probably a male. This is an example of a bird with several dark scapulars, especially the last moulted feathers in the lower scapulars, mixed with older bleached brown or patterned feathers. The scapulars contrast with the barred second generation lesser coverts. Most of the wing-coverts are still barred as is the common pattern on second generation feathers, but a few lower lesser coverts, inner wing-coverts and upper tertials appear plainer dark grey. Some of the central wing-coverts show the ginger tone of fresh feathers. They were moulted again in the partial moult in autumn and contrast with the worn adjacent feathers. Note the small white tips on the primaries. Note also the second generation tail-feathers.