AGE – BEST CRITERIA:

In 1cy, moult contrast is present in GC, most often in the central part of the arm. Adult birds show a uniform and freshly moulted plumage.

1cy:

• Most birds included 4-6 inner GC in the post-juvenile moult. Juvenile outer GC show a slightly more rusty hue on the outer vane (but note that a rusty hue is present also in post-juvenile/post-breeding GC, but with a slightly more olive-brown colour component) and generally diffuse pale rusty-buff tips. Difference in wear between juvenile and post-juvenile GC in early autumn is not always obvious in this species, but the structure of the post-juvenile GC are generally slightly more dense.
• Juvenile PC are often slightly less dense and more loose/frayed than in adult, but difference is often difficult to detect.
• Juvenile RR are generally slightly more worn, narrow and more pointed, but difficult birds are often seen.
  Juvenile tertials are often slightly narrower and more pointed, sometimes showing a pale buff tip. A weak contrast is often seen towards the post-juvenile inner GC, the latter being less rusty, more olive-brown. A few birds show a similar moult contrast within the tertials.
• Colour of iris cold greyish.

2cy+:

• Whole plumage fresh, lacking moult contrasts.
• GC are uniformly olive-brown with no pale tips (but note that the MC are often even more olive, which may lead to thoughts of a moult contrast).
• PC are slightly more dense, crisp fresh and slightly less rusty.
• RR are generally slightly broader, more blunt tipped and often in better condition.
• Colour of iris warm greyish-brown.