BROWN-HOODED MEW. GOl 



to a true field-and-flood ornithologist than that of the vast 

 number of sea-birds then collected in the firth, and especially 

 in the part above Queensferry, to which they Avere attracted 

 by the great shoal of small herrings which had sought 

 refuge there, and which were caught in great quantities by 

 the fishermen, and sold in the neighbouring towns as an 

 article of food. 



In the beginning of January, 1841, during severe frost, 

 hearing that many Gulls were in Leith Harbour, I went 

 there to observe them, and counted two hundred and fifty of 

 the present species, together with a very few individuals of 

 Larus canus. The sea being smooth, they presented a 

 beautiful sight as they swam in groups, each intent on the 

 water into which it now and then dipped its bill, or hovered 

 over it in search of food. But as nothing occurred beyond 

 what I have already related, I was coming away, Avhen I 

 observed two Lesser Black-backed Gulls coming up. The 

 Mews seemed uneasy on seeing them, and as they advanced 

 most of them screamed and rose on wing. The Gulls flew 

 among them, and chased them in the manner of the Lestres, 

 but apparently with little success, as, although they flew 

 faster, they could not turn so quickly ; and the Mews, 

 knowing their advantage, kept wheeling in small circles. 

 Two more of these large Gulls now joined the rest, but 

 presently gave up the chase. I had not before been aware 

 of this habit in the Gulls, which are certainly less adapted 

 for it than the Pirate-birds. 



The flight of our BroAvn-headed Sea-Mew is very light, 

 buoyant, and wavering, having a considerable resemblance 

 to that of a Tern, It wheels, turns, ascends, and descends 

 with great ease and dexterity; spreading out its tail and 

 elevating its wings, it hovers over the water, which it seems 

 to pat with its feet, as it meditates a descent upon its scaly 

 prey. Even when solitary, it emits a crocking cry at in- 

 tervals ; but when multitudes are assembled, it becomes 

 clamorous, their cries filling the air around. It rests on the 

 waters, unless in rough weather, but often also on the 

 shores ; walks and runs gradually with very short steps ; 

 pats the sand with its feet; lives on friendly terms with 



