Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

LBBG 3cy November 08 2001, Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

An individual where all 3cy features come together.

• Very pale legs and much black on the bill, combined with a pinkish base;
• The old coverts are extensively brown bleached;
• New tertials show a grey base with a white tip which is confined to the inner-web. Old tertials are either brownish bleached or show a dark brown-black centre and vermiculation on the upper half;
• Some of the recently moulted tail-feathers show black isolated spots near the centre;
• Primaries show very small white tips, especially the outer primaries p6-p10;
• The mirror on p10 is relatively small in size and a mirror on p9 is lacking. The p10 mirror is an isolated white spot and doesn't reach the feather edges;
• Primary moult score is high, a score of 50, hence all the primaries are renewed and fully grown.