i84 



GULL GROUP 



is rather larger than the next, from which it differs by the circum- 

 stance that the elongated middle tail-feathers have rounded instead 

 of pointed tips. This bird is a great wanderer, its breeding-range 

 being apparently contained within the Arctic Circle, while in winter 

 specimens have been taken so far south as Australia, Peru, and south- 

 western Africa. In the British Islands this skua is chiefly .seen during 

 the autumn-migration — occasionally in considerable numbers; and 

 some individuals remain during the winter, although few new arrivals 



Il.M.Ml.NCK b SKI A. 



make their appearance during the return spring-migration. To Ireland 

 it is described as a scarce autumn -visitor, while a few individuals 

 have been seen in May and the following months. In the Faroe 

 Islands it is le.ss uncommon, and has been .seen in spring as well 

 as autumn. 



In disposition Temminck's skua is described as presenting a 

 marked contrast to its large short-tailed relative, and even to the other 

 members of its own group, being a cowardly and clum.sy bird, which 

 allows itself to be harried and driven away by its smaller cousins. 

 When attacked by Richardson's skua, these birds, which may easily be 

 recogni.sed at a distance by the peculiar twist of the long middle tail- 

 feathers, either seek to escape by diving, or at close quarters raise their 

 wings to ward off the swoop of their foe. The nest and eggs are 



