38 



Case 205. 



KITTIWAKE {Eissa tridactyla). 



The " Kittiwake " a trivial name derived from its note, is generally 

 distributed along the coasts of the British Islands throughout the 

 winter months, but in summer it resorts in vast numbers to rugged 

 cliffs for the purpose of nesting. liarge breeding colonies are to be 

 found on the Faroe Islands, Flamborough Head, the Scilly Islands, 

 Lundy Island, and around the coast and islands wherever cliffs may 

 be met with. The nest, usually formed of seaweed and lined with 

 grass, is placed on a ledge of rock, and contains two or three pale-bufE 

 eggs, spotted with reddish-brown and ash-grey (see British Bird Egg 

 Cabinet, drawer 23). 



Case 206. 



COMMON GULL {Lams cwmis). 



Generally distributed along the coasts of the British Islands and 

 frequently seen inland during the colder months of the year, but in 

 April the majority move northwards. It is not known to nest in 

 England or Wales, but in north Britain and parts of Ireland large 

 colonies are numerous. Open woods, islands in lakes, and the less 

 precipitous coasts are the favourite breeding places. When at sea 

 the food is mainly fish, but wlien inland the birds may be frequently 

 seen following the plough in search of worms and grubs. The somewhat 

 large nest is made of any convenient material such as grass, heather 

 or seaweed. The eggs, three in number, are laid early in May, and 

 vary greatly in colour, but are generally olive brown, spotted with 

 dark brown (see British Bird Egg Cabinet, drawer 22). 



Case 207. 



HERRING GULL {Lams argentatus). 

 Local name : Silver Gull. 



A resident, abundant on the coasts at all seasons, and breeding 

 wherever precipitous rocks or isolated " stacks " afford a suitable 

 refuge. Many pairs also nest among the sandhills on the north-east 

 coast of Scotland, and some colonies may be found on the islets in 

 lochs. This species generally nests in company with others of its 

 kind, and often among colonies of the Lesser Black-backed and 

 Common Gulls. Like other large Gulls it is a great robber of eggs and 

 young birds. The nest is formed of grass, and the eggs, three in 

 number, are of a stone colour, or Hght olive brown, blotched and 

 spotted with dark umber (see British Bird Egg Cabinet, drawer 22). 

 In Lancashire the nesting places are few in number, mainlv at Foulshaw 



