38 BRITISH "SEABIRDS. 
used the term is, to say the least, somewhat mis- 
leading. This species belongs to a small group 
which might more appropriately be termed 
“marsh” Gulls. It is almost as much seen in 
certain inland localities as it is in marine ones; 
whilst in many of its habits it bears a close 
resemblance to the Rook—feeding on the pastures, 
following the plough, and perching regularly in 
trees. During spring and summer many of these 
Gulls resort to inland haunts to breed—as for 
instance at Scoulton Mere in Norfolk, Twigmoor in 
Lincolnshire, and Aqualate Mere in Staffordshire— 
and from these centres visit the surrounding country 
for miles, in quest of food. Slob-lands and low 
muddy coasts are favourite haunts of this Gull, but 
during the non-breeding season it may be met with 
on almost all parts of the coast. In winter it often 
wanders up the larger tidal rivers for miles; and 
the Gulls that visited the Thames in such abun- 
dance during recent winters, were principally of 
this species, doubtless from Norfolk and Essex. 
Many of these Gulls appear to pass our southern 
coasts, especially in spring, and I have remarked 
them again in great plenty during the sprat season 
in late autumn. I may in addition state that this 
migration has been observed along the coast of 
South Devon, the nearest breeding station being 
near Poole in Dorset. The birds linger about Tor 
Bay in spring until, in many cases, the full breeding 
-plumage—the sooty-brown head—is assumed. 
