AGE – BEST CRITERIA:

1cy birds shows uniform and fresh juv SS. Moult contrasts between fresh post-juv and (reasonably) fresh juv feathers may be found in GC and more rarely in AL and RR. Adult birds show a variable number of very bleached and worn suspended feathers among e.g. SS, MC, LC and often RR.

1cy:

• SS (and PP) consists of one single uniform generation that remains rather fresh during much of the autumn. 
• Moult contrasts are often found among inner GC (or between post-juv MC and juv GC) and sometimes within AL and RR. 
• Juv RR are slightly narrower, more pointed and of less good general quality than ad-type RR. Some birds may include R1 in the post-juv moult.
• Juv PC usually shows a slightly looser texture and more worn tips and edges compared to ad-type.

2cy+:

• Retained and clearly bleached and worn feathers from the pre-br moult (last winter) are still present among SS, LC, MC and sometimes in RR and TT.
• RR either very fresh ad type, rather broad, rounded and of good quality, or mixed with some retained very worn pre-br feathers from last winter.
• PC of ad type; fresh, rather broad and glossy looking.