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

(last update: 14-11-2009)

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

A very dark, pitch-black adult fuscus which has started the moult of the wing-coverts. In the median coverts 4 central feathers (#4-#7) are missing and 2 lower lesser coverts (#3 and #5) were replaced recently. All old wing-coverts have a delicate brown hue. In the scapulars about 50% of the feathers is pitch-black, while the other 50% has the same delicate brown hue. Note the hint of black on the curve of the upper mandible. The tail is completely white and no tail-feathers have been shed. The outer primaries have very small white tips, which are largely worn away and p10 only shows a small mirror.