AGE – BEST CRITERIA:

• Often show moult contrast in central or outer GC: Fresh post-juvenile inner GC are darker greyish black and usually show a wide rusty tip in contrast to the more worn greyish juvenile outer GC with narrow white tips. Others have included all GC in the moult, and the contrast is then found towards the still juvenile PC.
• Juvenile PC are generally slightly more narrow, more worn in tips and edges and less brightly coloured in the green/grey edge of outer vane (though 2cy+ male often show all black PC).
• Juvenile RR are somewhat variable, but generally slightly more narrow and pointed in the tips and show a juvenile quality to the feather. A few individuals have moulted single or several RR and then exhibit moult contrast among RR. According to Jenni & Winkler (1994) exceptional individuals may include the whole tail in the post-juvenile moult.
• Most individuals show uniformly juvenile TT, but a few may include 1-2 inner ones. Post-juvenile TT are fresh and show a more contrasting pattern with a blackish centre and deeper rusty edge (similar to the post-juvenile inner GC), contrasting well to unmoulted TT and inner SS.

• Uniform plumage lacking any moult contrast (though rare occasions of retained/forgotten feathers are known).
• Whole wing and tail (esp. PC, PP and RR) in better condition with broader and denser feathers, more blackish in colour and with better gloss (esp. in males).
• Tips of RR generally slightly more blunt and broader.