THE BIRD BOOK 



GULLS and TERNS. Family LARID^ 



Gulls are webbed footed birds having a slight hook to the end of the upper 

 mandible. Their plumage is generally a silvery gray above and white below. 

 They nest in large colonies, some on the islands of fresh water inland, but 

 mostly on the sea coast. They procure their food from the surface of the 

 water, it consisting mostly of dead fish and refuse matter, and Crustacea which 

 they gather from the waters edge. When tired they rest upon the surface of 

 the water, where they ride the largest waves in perfect safety. 



Terns are birds of similar plumage to the Gulls, but their forms are less ro- 

 bust and the bills are generally longer and sharply pointed. Their food con- 

 sists chiefly of small fish which they secure by hovering above the water, and 

 then plunging upon them. They are less often seen on the surface of the 

 water than are the Gulls. 



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A i ' f ' 



CHARACTERISTIC NEST OF A LOON 



38 



