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

(last update: 9-11-2009)

Larus fuscus fuscus 3cy, August 10 2002, Tampere, Finland (61.33N 24.59E).

A 3cy bird with three generations of primaries. Primary P1 has been replaced and P2 is growing (fourth generation); P3-P7 are third generation primaries and the outer primaries P8-P10 are second generation. All tail-feathers are completely -white. 

Moult in the wing-coverts is still in progress, with the inner median coverts missing, the outer median coverts missing and currently growing inwards (in descendant order) and the outer lower lesser coverts missing. Note the strong brown hue in the old coverts, contrasting with the recently replaced scapulars.

The soft parts are rather adult-like with the bill deep yellow, the iris clean yellow and the orbital ring red.