594 



GA IV./i'. 



LA RID J:. 



LARID^-: 



1 ' 'j> '>),.h 



\.\ ^^-/■^'^h 



Larus ridibundus, Linnaeus.* 



THE BLACK-HEADED GULL. 



Larus ridibundus. 



The Black-headed Gull is aLuuclant on various parts 

 of our shores, particularly those that are flat and marshy. 

 In such situations it is very common, and while wearing its 

 dark brown hood in summer is easily recognized and well 

 known. During winter it frequents the coast, but being 

 decidedly a marsh-breeder, it assembles in great numbers 

 early in spring, year after year, at various localities favour- 

 able for the purpose of incubation. 



The progress of cultivation, and consequent drainage of 



' Syst. Nat. Ed. 12, i. p. 22;) (17t)6). 



