AGE – BEST CRITERIA:
Autumn criterias are still applicable, though 2cy are more affected to wear during the winter than adult. In 2cy, moult contrast is present in GC, most often in the central part of the arm. Rarely, all GC are included, and a contrast is then seen towards the juvenile PC. Adult birds show a uniform plumage, lacking moult contrast.
2cy:
- Most birds included 3-6 inner GC in the post-juvenile moult. Juvenile outer GC are slightly shorter and show somewhat variable but often distinct buff or rusty-buff tips. Inner moulted post-juvenile feathers are slightly longer, more fresch, sometimes a trifle more olive green in the outer vane (but often with a brownish edge) and does usually not show more than a narrow and diffuse pale edge at the tip.
- Juvenile RR are generally slightly more worn, narrow and more pointed, but difficult birds are sometimes seen. The structure is often helpful, with the juvenile feathers being slightly less dense, less glossy and somewhat paler brownish.
- Juvenile TT are generally slightly more rusty (and less olive) than inner post-juvenile GC. Most birds show a wide and deep pale buff wedge-shaped tip on the outer vane, but this is rather variable and may at times be rather adult like. A few birds show a moult contrast in the TT, with the moulted ones being slightly more olive and usually lack a deep pale tip.
- Juvenile PC are often slightly more rusty, narrower, less dense and more loose/frayed than in adult, but difference is not always obvious.
3cy+:
- Whole plumage is less worn, lacking moult contrasts.
- GC are tinged olive with no pale tips, or with diffuse and narrow pale edges to the tips.
- RR are generally slightly broader, more blunt tipped and often in better condition.
- Adult TT are generally slightly more olive and usually shows a less deep pale tip (often just a narrow pale edge). But some adult show deeper pale markings, approaching the juvenile pattern.
- PC are slightly more dense, less worn and often slightly more olive.