300 HANDBOOK OF BRITISH BIRDS 



COMMON GULL. Larus canus, Linnaeus. PI. 34, 

 figs, o, 4. Length, 17*5 in. ; bill, 1-85 in. ; wing, 14-5 

 in. ; tarsus, 2*25 in. 



The term " common " is not generally applicable 

 to this Gull, which in many places is far less 

 numerous than the Kittiwake. I know of no 

 breeding-place of Larus canus in England. The 

 Kittiwake is often mistaken for it in the nesting- 

 time. In Scotland it is resident and abundant the 

 whole year round on the west coast, the Hebrides, 

 Orkney, and Shetland ; retiring to the hill lochs to 

 breed, Avhich it usually does in colonies like Larus 

 7idibu7idus ("Fauna of Sutherland," p. 231). 



In Ireland, according to Mr. Ussher, the Common 

 Gull is resident, but confined in its breeding range 

 to the coast region of the north and west. It 

 wanders over the rest of Ireland in winter, when 

 its numbers are probably increased by immigration. 



ICELAND GULL. Larus leucopterws, Faber. Length, 

 22 in. ; bill, 2-4 in. ; wing, 16 in. ; tarsus, 2-35 in. 



A winter visitant ; not uncommon on the northern 

 and eastern coasts of Scotland, but less frequently 

 seen in England, Adult birds are not so often met 

 with as those in immature plumage. 



In Ireland this gull is an uncertain visitor in 

 winter, occurring in small numbers. When seen 

 at close quarters it may be distinguished from the 

 Herring Gull, which it nearly equals in size, by its 

 white wings. Relatively it bears much the same 



