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

(last update: 25-1-2010)

Larus fuscus fuscus 3cy, February 26 2011, Ashdod. Picture Amir Ben Dov.

Difficult to age: fast moulting 2cy or retarded 3cy? By February, most probably a retarded bird with all primaries and secondaries still 2nd gen. Several wing-coverts and tertials already 3rd gen, adult-like grey. Upper-parts rather pale grey, pointing towards heuglini, but jizz and plumage probably more in line with pale fuscus.