202 



British Binh. 



The eggs are three or four in number, oHve-brown or dark clay-brown, with markings 

 of reddish brown and dusky-grey. Their length is from an inch-and-three-quarters 

 to a little over two inches. 



A 



The Great Black-headed Gull. 



The Black-headed Gcll. 

 The Mediterranean Black-headed Gcll. 



THE 

 BLACK-HEADED 



GULL. 

 {Lanis yidibundits.) 



This species has a dark brown hood in summer, but m 

 winter the head i.s white, with the hinder crown greyish, while 

 there is a dusky spot in front of the eve and another behind the 

 ear-coverts. There is often a distinct rosy tmge on the white 

 under surface of the body. The species nests m colonies in 

 many parts cif the United Kingdom, generally in marsh}' places, or on islands in 

 lakes, very seldom on rocks or near the sea-shore. It is found nesting in similar 

 localities throughout temperate Europe and Asia. In the autumn and winter these 

 Gulls are found frequenting the coasts, and often ascend rivers. They are now 

 quite a common object on the Thames and on the waters of the London parks. It 

 is a tame species, and ma\' often be seen, in the north of England, following the 

 plough. The nests are built on the ground, but are often floating on the water or 

 supported by water-plants. The eggs are two or three in number, and vary greatl}' 

 in their colour, some being greenish-blue with scarcelv an\' spots, while others are 

 of such a dark brown that the blackish markings can scarceh' be seen. The length is 

 about two to two-and-a-quarter inches. 



