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

(last update: 14-11-2009)

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

Another fuscus with some characteristics indicating near-adultness (see also this bird). The bill shows some black on the curve of the upper mandible. Primaries p1-p7 appear fresher than the outer primaries p8-p10, which lack white tip. The white tips on p6 and even p7 are very obvious and hardly worn. These primaries are more glossy black, contra the brownish outer primaries.
Wing-covert moult has not started yet and all the coverts are slightly abraded and show a brown hue. Two upper scapulars were replaced recently and are fresher than the other scapulars. At least one lower upper scapular is missing.