592 



LARIDyE. 



or Haaf, which they consider a lucky omen ; and in return 

 for its attendance, they give it the refuse of the fish 

 which are caught. The Skua Gull does not associate in 

 groups ; and it is seldom that more than a pair are 

 seen together. During the breeding season it is highly 

 courageous ; and will strike furiously at, and wiU even 

 pursue, any one who may happen to approach its nest, 

 Avhich is constructed among the heath or moss ; the 

 female laying two eggs, but sometimes three." 



THE COMMON SKUA. 



Some authors state that the Common Skua obtains its 

 liveKhood by levying contributions on the White Gulls, 

 compelling them to disgorge their prey, and catching 

 it before it reaches the water ; but Dr. Edmonston, who 

 had great opportunities of watching the habits of these 

 birds, says that they do not adopt the practices correctly 

 attributed to the Arctic Gull, or Richardson's Skua. The 



