Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: May 17 2015)

(2 images) LBBG 2cy, October 05 2002, Boulogne-sur-Mer, NW France. 

Primary p9 and P10 are still juvenile and the tips are very abraded. Primary P8 is at the same length as P7 and still has to grow an inch or so. Primary moult will probably suspended during migration.

In the rectrices, R3 and R4 show a white fringe and therefore are very fresh second generation-like feathers. The other tail-feathers are worn second generation feathers. The secondary moult is highly delayed with only S1-S2 replaced for second generation feathers, S3-S4 missing and all other secondaries still old abraded juvenile flight-feathers. The rather 'jumpy' moult sequence in the wing-coverts is obvious with the bleached pale brown coverts and recently moulted dark coverts side-by-side.