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

(last update: 7-12-2010)

Larus fuscus fuscus adult HT 266.457, November 26 2010, Ashdod, Israel. Image Amir Ben Dov.

An adult fuscus by November with one leg. Complete moult started, probably at the breeding ground an then suspended prior to migration at P3, with the three inner primaries renewed and outer 7 primaries still old. Alternatively, it may moult at very low pace, just dropping one single feather when the prior feather is almost fully grown (but P3 has reached that stage already). All secondaries still present, feather worn at the tips. Tail complete and worn.Compared to other adult fuscus, it is definitely in delayed moult, as adult fuscus should be soemwhere halfway the complete moult by now.