BUFFONS SKUA. 
123 
at the end of October, 1837, and young ones on other 
parts of the coast and the banks of the Tyne. 
In Scotland one of these birds was obtained at Bonar 
Bridge, in August, 1841. 
In Ireland they have likewise occurred, but as rare 
visitants; one in 1839, near Dublin. 
They also are seen in Orkney. 
This is another very elegantly-shaped species, its whole 
form and contour giving evidence of its character as a sort 
of predatory Sea Swallow, a very Harpy of the deep, but 
one which, unlike the pests of that name described by Yirgil, 
reverses the order of things as to the ‘dapes,’ and does not 
spoil the morsel so as to hinder its being swallowed by 
those among whom it comes unbidden and unwelcome, but 
pounces on the spoil all the more eagerly, for that the 
others have first made it their own by what would naturally 
be thought the most secure mode of appropriation. 
It flies no doubt in the same free and easy manner as 
the other species. 
So likewise as to the manner of taking its food. 
This Skua Gull breeds on the shores of the sea, and those 
of the larger rivers, as also on barren heaths at some dis¬ 
tance inland: many birds build together. The nest is com¬ 
posed of dry grass. 
The eggs are in number two, of a pale olive green colour, 
with irregular blots of grey and dark reddish brown. 
Male; length, one foot one inch and a half; the bill, curved 
at the point, is black at the end, the base dark greenish 
brown; cere, dark greenish brown; iris, brown. Head on the 
crown, black; neck on the sides and nape, pale yellowish 
white; chin, throat, and breast on the upper part, white, 
below light brownish grey. Back, brownish grey; greater and 
lesser wing coverts, brownish grey; primaries, nearly black; 
tertiaries, brownish grey. Tail, nearly black; upper tail coverts, 
brownish grey; under tail coverts, light brownish grey. The 
middle feathers, which are very long and pointed at the ends, 
extend nine inches be} r ond the others. Legs and toes, black 
with a tinge of yellow; webs, black. 
