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

(last update: 10-11-2009)

Larus fuscus fuscus probably 3cy, October 31 2009, Ashdod, Israel. Picture Amir Ben Dov.

Unringed bird, so no provenance about its origin or exact age. However, there is a clear black line on the bill and the very abraded P10 doesn't show a mirror, two indications it may be in 3cy. Maybe a very advanced 2cy bird can not be excluded.
No sign of moult in the primaries by late October in this bird. The outer two primaries P9-P10 are old. P1-P8 are fully grown, adult-like and regarding wear, there is no obvious divide visible in the inner primaries.
Secondary moult seems just to finish with the last innermost feathers still old and the adjacent feathers growing. Moult in the rectrices normally develops centrifugal and here, the last two tail-feathers have to grow just a few inches to complete the new tail.