AGE – BEST CRITERIA:
Autumn criterias are still applicable, though 2cy are more affected to wear during the winter than adult. In 2cy, a moult contrast is present in GC, most often in the central part of the arm. Adult birds show a uniform and freshly moulted plumage.
2cy:
- Most birds included 3-7 inner GC in the post-juvenile moult. The inner post-juvenile coverts are often slightly longer, more fresh and dense, in contrast to outer, shorter, more worn juvenile coverts that also show a less colorful pattern and often a thin pale (brownish-)grey or whitish edge and tip.
- Juvenile RR are generally 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. A few birds may have included R1 in the post-juvenile moult, showing two generations of RR.
- Juvenile PC are often slightly more brownish, narrower, less dense and more worn and loose/frayed than in adult.
- Most birds show uniformly juvenile TT, but some have included single (or rarely all three) feathers in the moult. The pattern of the juvenile and post-juvenile generations are rather similar, but generally somewhat more colorful in the latter. The general structure and state of wear gives further help in the assessment.
3cy+:
- Whole plumage in better condition, lacking moult contrasts.
- GC, PC and TT are dense, less worn and colourful.
- RR are generally slightly broader, more blunt tipped and often in better condition.