556 



PALMIPEDES. 



sprinof- and summer^ tliey may be seen in flocks^ in tlie 

 niarslies, on the borders of rivers^ and on cultivated 

 lands, where they seek for worms, insects, and larvae. 

 They return to the sea-coast on the approach of 

 autumn and winter, subsisting principally on small 

 fish and worms, which they obtain from the refuse 

 left on the shore after the tide retires, and are espe- 

 cially fond of the spawn of crustaceous animals. 

 The larger kinds attack the weaker species, darting- 

 down upon them as soon as they have been fortunate 

 enough to catch a fish, and causing them instantly 

 to disgorge their prize. If the winter proves severe, 

 the Grulls retire further south, until they find a more 

 genial climate. Their flight is easy and buoyant, 

 and when about to migrate, the flock ascends to a 

 considerable height, and then moves oS" in a con- 

 tinuous line to its destination. The nest is formed 

 of dry coarse grass or sea-weeds, wherein are depo- 

 sited three or four eggs. 



The type of this sub-family, — 



The Black-backed Gull (Lams marinus), is met with, 

 but by no means ])lentifully, upon our coasts, usually 

 alone or in pairs, and rarely in a flock of more than 

 eight or ten together. Like its congeners, it is of a vgry 

 wary disposition, and must be taken by surprise, as it 

 rarely admits of a near approach. It is of very voracious 

 appetite, and preys upon all kinds of animal substances 

 that may happen to be cast ashore. It also keeps close 

 watch upon the lesser Gulls, whom it drives fi-om any 

 food they have discovered, appropriating the whole to 

 itself; it will even sever and devour the fish from the 

 hooks of the fishermen, if left dry by the ebbing of the 

 tide. Its flight is slow, but light, without much exertion 

 of its pinions, and, as in other species of the genus, always 

 opjiosed to the wind. Its voice is a strong and hoarse 

 cackle, that may be heard at a great distance when the 

 bird is sailmg m the air ; but this is more frequently 

 repeated during the spring and breeding season than at 

 any other times. 



On the water, this Gull is extremely light, swimming 

 with little exertion, gracefully rising and falling with the 



