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

(last update: 14-11-2009)

Larus fuscus fuscus adult, August 04 2002, Stockholm, Sweden.

An adult fuscus which has started the moult of the wing-coverts. In the median coverts #1-2 are very abraded, #3-12 are missing and #13 and further outwards the feathers are old. In the scapulars 3 lower lesser scapulars are missing. All old wing-coverts have a strong brown hue, hence there were no coverts moulted recently. In the lower upper scapulars two feathers are all black, those were replaced recently. Note the large mirror on p10 and a hint of black along the cutting edge of the bill. The tail is completely white and no tail-feathers have been shed.