nominate Lesser Black-backed Gull (L. f. fuscus)

(last update: 23-11-2009)

Larus fuscus fuscus 3cy HT 261.005 July 11-18 2007, Nokia Koukku dump Finland. Pictures: Hannu Koskinen.

3cy Baltic Gull in summer which probably foolws a standard moult sequence like in other large white-headed gull taxa. Almost all flight-feathers replaced a year ago, now faded brown and slghtly bleached. P10 is probably still juvenile. Fresh very dark median and greater wing-coverts and scapulars are indications for a moulting bird, which is confirmed when the wings are opened. Two of the rectrices are completely white, but most feathers show the ordinary 2nd gen pattern.

This bird's plumage is pretty delayed compared to normal 3cy fuscus, but there are obvious blackish wing-coverts and scapulars, and very reduced amount of any streaking on neck and breast sides. Primary moult started again in the inner primaries, with P1-P2 replaced and P3 growing. Some secondaries look very fresh as well.