192 BIRD GALLERY. 
colonies are to be found on the Farne Islands, Flamborough Head, 
the Scilly Islands, Lundy Island, and round the coasts and islands 
of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The nest, usually formed of seaweed 
and lined with grass, is placed on a ledge of rock and contains two or 
three pale buff eggs, spotted with reddish-brown and ash-grey. 
The trivial name “‘ Kittiwake ” is derived from its note. 
No. 149. GANNET or SOLAN GOOSE, 
(Sula bassana.) 
During the autumn and winter months the Gannet is found through- 
out British waters, but in spring it repairs in countless numbers to 
some isolated rock to breed. The most noted breeding-colonies are at 
Lundy Island, Grassholm, off Pembrokeshire, Ailsa Craig, Sulisgeir, off 
the Butt of Lewis, Boreray:in the St. Kilda group, and the Bass Rock ; 
in Ireland it breeds on the Bull Rock off Co. Cork and on the Little 
Skellig. It feeds on fish, which are obtained by plunging, often from 
a great height. The nest of seaweed and grass contains only one egg, 
which is pale blue overlaid with a chalky-white coating. The young 
are naked when hatched, but soon become covered with white down, 
which in a few weeks gives place to dark feathers tipped with white. 
The mature plumage is not assumed till the fifth year. 
No. 150. GUILLEMOT. (Uria troile.) 
The Murre or Marrot, as it is often called, is found throughout the 
year in the open seas surrounding the British Islands. Towards the 
end of March vast numbers make for land, and assemble in immense 
colonies at their accustomed nesting-places on island-cliffs or precipices. 
A single large pear-shaped egg, which varies greatly in colour and 
markings, is laid in May or June on an open ledge of the rock or on 
the flat top of some “stack.’’? The female usually sits facing the cliff, 
holding the egg between her legs with the point outwards. 
The Guillemot feeds on fish and is an expert diver, using its wings 
as a means of propulsion under water. 
Presented by Edward Bidwell, Esq. 
No. 151. MONTAGU’S HARRIER. (Circus pygargus.) 
Though a common summer visitor to Europe, this Harrier is now 
scarce in the British Islands. Every year a few pairs arrive in April 
and attempt to nest in the eastern and southern counties of England and 
