C03IMON SKUA. 483 



and at the Falkland Isles, where, in a fine harbour on the 

 north-west coast these birds long since obtained the name of 

 Port Egmont Hens. 



The Skua is included by M. Nilsson in his Birds of Scan- 

 dinavia ; and it is known to inhabit the Faroe Islands. Its 

 breeding-stations with us are probably confined to Shetland. 

 Mr. Dunn mentions three, namely, " Foula, Rona's Hill, 

 and the Isle of Unst. In the latter place it is by no means 

 numerous, and is strictly preserved by the landlords on whose 

 property it may have settled, from a supposition that it will 

 defend their flocks from the attacks of the Eagle. That it 

 will attack the Eagle if he approaches their nests, is a fact I 

 have witnessed ; I once saw a pair completely beat off" a large 

 Eagle from their breeding-place on Rona's Hill. The flight 

 of the Common Skua is more rapid and stronger than that of 

 any other Gull. It is a great favourite with the fishermen, 

 frequently accompanying their boats to the fishing-ground, 

 which they consider a lucky omen, and in return for its at- 

 tendance they give it the refuse of the fish which are caught. 

 The Common Skua does not associate in groups, and it is 

 seldom that more than a pair are seen together. During the 

 breeding-season it is highly courageous, and will strike furi- 

 ously at, and will even pursue, any one who may happen to 

 approach its nest, which is constructed amongst the heath 

 and moss.*" The female lays two and sometimes three eggs, 

 which are olive-brown, blotched with darker brown ; the 

 length two inches nine lines, and two inches in breadth. 



From the north these birds in autumn come down the line 

 of our eastern shore, and specimens have been obtained on 

 the coast of Northumberland, Durham, Norfolk, Essex, 

 Kent, and Sussex. Several were exhibited for sale in the 

 London market durinsj the winter of 1837. On the other 

 side of the British Channel specimens have been obtained on 

 the coasts of Germany, Holland, and France. 



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