BIRDS OF ICELAND 115 



Larus leucopterus, Faber. Iceland Gull. 



Native names : ' Hvitmiifur/ etc., like the last, from 

 the white flif^ht-feathers. 



A winter visitor, only, from farther north, and in no 

 great numbers. First described by ' Fugl Faber ' from 

 specimens he obtained in Iceland, and recognised as 

 different from L. glaucus. He has given a long and 

 minute description and account of the species in his 

 Prodromus (pp. 91-98). Its breeding-grounds are in 

 Jan Mayen and Greenland. 



The bird may be shortly described as a small copy 

 of Larus glaucus, with proportionately longer wings ; 

 legs and feet yellowish pink. Length 22 inches, 

 wing 16 to 17 inches ; females rather the smaller. In 

 winter plumage, the head and neck are more or less 

 flecked with pale brown. Young birds resemble those 

 of L. glaucus, but are smaller. This species appears on 

 the Iceland coasts about the end of September, and 

 remains till the end of April, a few immature indi- 

 viduals remaining even longer. In habits it resembles 

 the ' Burgomaster/ as sailors call the Glaucous Gull, 

 and feeds on fish, marine creatures, and garbage of any 

 kind. Its flif][ht is easier and more i:^raceful than that 

 of the Glaucous. 



