125 



GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 



GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. GREAT BLACK AND 

 WHITE GULL. WAJEL (fEMALE.) COBB. 



PLATE CCXXVII. — FIG. I. 



Larus marinus, . . Linnjeus. Giielin. Beunnich. 

 Larus niger, . . . Beisson. 

 Larus ncBvius, . . Gmelin. 



The Great Black-backed Gull builds chiefly in marshes 

 and low undrained moors, as also in and on the cliffs 

 and rocky islets of the sea-coast and of inland lakes, 

 making its nest of dry grass, sea-weeds, and sticks. 

 Many resort to the same place. The nest is of large 

 size. Both male and female assist in its construction. 



The eggs are three in number. They are considered 

 very good to eat, and great numbers are taken for the 

 purpose, the first and second clutch being removed, 

 and the bird then laying a third time. Their colour 

 is yellowish brown, with a tinge of green, a little spotted 

 with bluish grey and dark brown. 



