Lesser Black-backed Gull (graellsii & intermedius)

(last update: 22-2-2011)

LBBG 3cySeptember 02 2001, ECT parking - Maasvlakte, the Netherlands.

Primary moult: P6 full-grown, P9-10 still old. The old second generation P10 shows no mirror. Moult score 35, which is average by early September. Note the inner primaries, which have faded dark centres, not as pure grey as in full-adult plumage. 3cy LBBG may show sub-terminal black markings on p3 and sometimes p2.
Note also the outermost secondary, which has now developed into a grey-centred, white-tipped flight-feather, clearly contrasting with the old brown-based and abraded second generation secondaries, of which two are just visible beneath the tertials (hence the innermost secondaries).

Note the immature brown lesser coverts and the white tips of the tertials confined to the inner tip. Note also the print of p8, visible on p9 now p8 has been shed. In very bleached primaries, the effect of such prints can be very obvious and reading correct primary moult stage in some individuals needs close views.