COMMON GULL 421 
COMMON GULL. Larus canus (Linneus). 
Colowred Figures.—Gould, ‘ Birds of Great Britain,’ vol. v, pl. 
60; Dresser, ‘ Birds of Europe,’ vol. viii, pl. 600; Lilford, 
‘Coloured Figures,’ vol. vi, pl. 22. 
This species, plentiful in autumn and winter on our 
shores, is somewhat larger, stouter, and less elegant in build, 
than the Black-headed Gull, from which it may also be dis- 
tinguished easily by its bright green legs. 
In summer, when the dark hood of the smaller species 
is assumed, the two birds are unmistakable. Yet in many 
localities, the Black-headed Gull, owing to its abundance at 
all times of the year, is popularly known as the ‘Common 
Gull.’ 
Fic. 54.—COMMON GULL. 
In their nuptial plumages the Kittiwake and the Com- 
mon Gull are much alike. Both have pure white heads, 
and rather dark ‘french’ grey backs, but they differ in the 
colour of the feet! and in the markings of the primaries. 
In spring most adult Common Gulls pass northward, 
' It is well for a novice to observe accurately the great variety in the 
colour of Gulls’ feet. In the few species that are common along our 
coasts we notice such contrasts as red, green, pink, yellow, and black. 
