292 THE NESTS AND EGGS OF 



but the only known locality appears to be Smyrna. It 

 is also said to breed on the coasts of the Black Sea. 



Breeding habits : I find but little information 

 recorded of the habits of this bird during the nesting 

 season. They apparently differ very slightly from those 

 of the nearly allied Black-headed Gull, which breeds so 

 commonly in many parts of the British Islands. It 

 breeds in colonies. Its favourite nesting places appear to 

 be marshes, flat islands in the deltas of rivers, and low- 

 lying coasts. The nest of this bird is described by Mr. 

 Dresser as being made of twigs, placed on the ground, 

 generally under or near a low scrubby bush. 



Range of egg colouration and measurement : 

 The eggs of the Mediterranean Black-headed Gull are 

 two or three in number, and closely resemble those of 

 the Black-headed Gull in colour, but are generally more 

 inclined to buff than olive. Average measuremotit, 2'0 

 inches in length, by 1*4 inch in breadth. The duration of 

 the period of incubation is undetermined, but is probably 

 a little over three weeks, as in the commoner species. 

 Probably both male and female perform the duty. 



Diagnostic characters : I know of no more con- 

 stant character by which the eggs of this Gull can be 

 distinguished from those of allied species than that of 

 smaller size. I have examined but few eggs of this Gull, 

 and therefore am not prepared to say whether any other 

 and more reliable character exists. 



