20S 



British Buds. 



the coasts of Norway, but at a considerable distance out at sea. The nest is of turf or 

 sea-weed and generally placed on the ledge of a clift. but sometimes on the top of a 

 rocky islet, and in America the birds are occasionally found not making any nest at 

 all. The eggs vary considerably m ground-colour, from the ordinary Gull-like type 

 to white or bluish, with dark spots and markings. The length is about two inches 

 and a quarter. 



Richardson's Skua. 



The Great Skua. 



THE 



GREAT SKUA. 



{Mt-gahstris 



cntarrhiictcs.) 



The Skuas are Gulls of sombre coloration, and they are 

 distinguished from the true Laridu by having a ' cere ' at the 

 base of the bill, as in a Bird of Prey, while the claws are 

 e.vtremely sharp and curved, and resemble those of the last-named 

 birds. This is a larger bird than any of the other Skuas 

 which occur in Great Britain, and has a square tail instead of prolonged 

 central tail-feathers. 



Though formerly not so rare, the Great Skua has become almost extinct in 

 Britain, and only two colonies now exist within our limits. These are in the 

 Shetlands, where the birds are protected, so that we may hope that the species 

 will still survive as an indigenous British bird. It also breeds on the Faeroes and 

 in Iceland, and is occasionally found in winter as far south as the Mediterranean, 

 but it is everywhere becoming a scarce bird, owing to the persecution which follows 

 it on account of its predatory habits. It is very bold and fearless, defending its 

 eggs and young with vigour. The nest is a hollow in the moss, and the eggs, which are 

 never more than two in number, are dark chocolate or olive-brown, with reddish 

 brown or black spots. Length from two-inches-and-a-half to nearly three inches. 



