256 BRITISH BIBDS' NESTS. 



where, in spite of j^rotectioii, we were told, during 

 our visit to tlie outer Hebrides, that not a single 

 young bird was reared during ISO-i. 



Materials. — Sometimes a few bits of grass are 

 used as a lining ; at others nothing is placed in 

 the hollow or cavity. Some nests are said to be 

 made of dead ling, moss, and dry grass. 



Eggs. — Two, occasionally only one, varying from 

 light buff to dark olive-brown, blotched and spotted 

 with dark brown and rusty or greyish-brown. Size 

 about 2-85 by 1*95 in. Similar to Lesser Black- 

 backed and Herring Gulls, but markings are fewer 

 and duller, and presence of parent birds readily 

 settles the point. 



Time. — May and June. 



HemarlxS. — Migratory, arriving at its breeding 

 haunts in April and leaving in August. Notes : 

 ctg-cig and shiia. Local and other names : Great 

 Squa, Bonxie, Brown Gull, Skua Gull, Morrel Hen. 

 Gregarious. It is said by one observer to pre^mre 

 several nests before deciding in which to drop its 

 eggs. Sits lightly. 



SKUA, GREAT, ^ee Skua, Common. 



SKUA, RICHARDSON'S. 



Description of Parent Birds. — Length about 

 twenty inches. Bill moderately long, strong, 

 straight, except at the tip, where it is hooked, 

 bluish lead-colour at the base, and blackish else- 

 where. Irides dark brown. This bird is subject 

 to considerable individual variation, and there are 

 two distinct and well-marked varieties, known as 



