GULLS. 



439 



larvae. They return to the sea-coast on the approach of autumn 

 and winter, subsisting principally on small fishes and worms, which 

 they obtain from the refuse left on the shore after the tide retires, 

 and are especially fond of the spawn of crustaceous animals. The 

 larger kinds attack the weaker species, darting down upon them 

 as soon as they have been fortunate enough to catch a fish, and 

 causing them instantly to disgorge their prize. If the winter proves 

 severe, the gulls retire farther south, until they find a more genial 

 climate. Their flight is easy and buoyant, and when about to 

 migrate, the flock ascends to a considerable height, and then moves 

 ofl" in a continuous line to its destination. The nest is formed 

 of dry coarse grass or seaweeds, wherein are deposited three or 

 four eggs. The Skuas are bold and tyrannical birds, usually seen 

 in pairs far out at sea. Their flight is elevated and performed in 

 circles, especially when watching some object which has attracted 

 their attention. They attack, while on the wing, other birds, as 

 terns, gulls, and even the albatross, causing them to drop or 

 disgorge their food, which they seize before it reaches the water. 

 At other times they feed on floating carcases, and sometimes eat 

 eggs and young sea-birds. 



^ 



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Fig. 214.— Young Gulls coverkd with Dow; 



The type of this sub-family — 



The Black-backed Gull {Lams marimts), is met with, but by no means 

 plentifully, upon our coasts, usually alone or in pairs, and rarely in a flock of 

 more than eight or ten together. Like its congeners, it is of a very wary 

 disposition, and must be taken by surprise, as it rarely admits of a near 



