Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

Lesser Black-backed Gull graellsii DEH 4238977 3CY, October 11 2003 Westkapelle, the Netherlands.

Ringed in N Germany, island Helgoland: a 3cy LBBG 'Dutch intergrade' / intermedius metal ringed right Helgoland 4238977. Ringed as pullus on July 04 2001 at Westmole - Helgoland, N Germany (54.16666 N, 7.91666 E).
This population can be placed between 'Dutch intergrade' and intermedius.

P8 is fully grown and P9 is at the length of P6. The rectrices have been replaced for largely white new feathers. The outer secondaries are typical third generation: in general adult-like but with obvious dark, blackish centres, visible in the bottom image. The bill is pale-yellow, with the red gonydeal spot almost completely obscured by the broad black bill-band. The iris is white-yellow, without obvious speckling. The orbital ring is very dark red.
Note the black centre on the central tertial (tt3-6) in the top image.