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

(last update: 9-11-2009)

Larus fuscus fuscus 3cy, August 08 2002, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E).

A 3cy bird with arrested primary moult: the inner primaries are third generation and the outer primaries P7-P10 are second generation. P10 has a rounded tip and is second generation, without a mirror. The primary coverts of the outer primaries are rather bleached brown.

The median coverts and the outer lower lesser coverts have been replaced for new blackish coverts. Some central lesser coverts have been shed. Note the contrast between the new and the old coverts, with the old coverts brown hued.

The soft parts are still showing immature features, notably the black tip of the bill.