114 OUR MIGRANT BIRDS 



it is distinguished from same by its nearly white wings 

 and no black back. Breeds in circumpolar regions. 



ICELAND GULL {Larus leucopterus) . 



A straggler in autumn and winter from circumpolar 

 regions. It has very pale wings like the last, which 

 generally it much resembles, but is smaller, being about 

 the size of the Lesser Black-backed Gull. 



FULMAR (Ftdmarus glacialis). 



A rare straggler to our coasts in winter, though it is 

 more commonly met with farther out to sea. It breeds 

 on St. Kilda, and is said to have established itself, as a 

 breeding species, in the Shetlands. 



Observation. — The largest of our Petrels ; rather 

 Gull-like, but distinguish by nasal tubes. 



Plumage. — Head, neck, and under parts white. Back 

 and tail grey ; more dusky on the quills. Bill yellow, 

 except nasal tubes, which are olive. Legs and feet 

 yellowish flesh-colour. Length 19 in. 



Language.. — Usually very silent. It utters a cry like 

 *' kaka," and another like " wib-wib-ua-ua." 



Habits. — It is rather Gull-like in its appearance and 

 mode of flight. Except when breeding, it spends its 

 whole time on the sea, picking up various floating 

 matters. When captured it vomits an amber-coloured 

 oil, on which the young are fed. 



Food. — Offal and various fatty and greasy matters 

 found floating in the water. 



