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 Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus L 53, W 127. Breeds quite commonly m colonies on coast, locally also at inland waters. British race graellsii, which is partly resident, partly migratory, is pale slate-coloured on back and inner ugperwings. Baltic race fuscus is strongly migratory, passes overland across Europe to winter in the Mediterranean Sea and E Africa; this race is much darker, black on back and ugperwings. (An intermediate race intermedius breeds in SW Scandinavia.) Distinguished from Great Black-back by smaller size, thinner bill, yellow legs and slightly narrower and more pointed wings, which have merely a white spot a( the very tip above. Immature Lesser Black-backs are recognised in N and NW Europe by tact that all flight feathers are almost uniformly brownish-black. (Immature Herring Gulls of S and SE Europe also have rather uniform dark flight feathers.) Other marks are darker general impression (created above all by dark upper greater coverts), darker underwings, and very broad dark outer edge to tail. Dark back is acquired at about 1 year of age. Calls not quite so gruff as Great Black-back's, but deeper and more nasal than Herring Gull's. RSWP
 An
excellent pocket reference book for recognising birds
is the Hamlyn Guide to Birds of Britain and Europe,
which is a comprehensive reference guide to Britain
and mainland Europe's plethora of ornithological life.
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