51 
Field Marks. Resembles so many other Gulls in general coloration that it can only 
be separated in life by close observation of minute characters under favourable conditions. 
- size, is smaller than the Herring and Ring-billed Gulls and larger than Bonaparte’s 
ull. 
From the Herring and Ring-billed Gulls it differs by having black instead of flesh- 
coloured or yellowish legs and in lacking the small terminal white spots on the black primary 
tips. The bill is an even yellow in the adult, without the red spot of the Herring Gull 
or the black transverse band of the Ring-billed. Juveniles resemble Bonaparte’s Gull 
very closely in having a black bill and similar colour pattern, but the forward edge of the 
outstretched wing is mostly black instead of conspicuously white. Juvenile Kittiwakes 
do not pass through a brown stage, as do the Herring Gulls, but resemble the adult in modi- 
fied but similar coloration. 
Nesting. Makes a substantial and well built nest of sea-weed on small projections 
from the faces of perpendicular cliffs. 
Distribution. A marine species, the Atlantic Kittiwake occurs only casually on fresh 
water or inland. Inhabits both sides of the Atlantic; breeding, in America, from the gulf 
of St. Lawrence north to well into the Arctics. It should be recorded on the Great Lakes 
only upon unimpeachable evidence. 
SUBSPECIES. The Kittiwake occurs in distinct subspecific form on both the north 
Atlantic and north Pacific oceans. Our eastern form, the Atlantic Kittiwake, is the type 
and occurs in both Europe and America. 
Economic Status. The food of the Kittiwake is probably similar to 
that of the other marine Gulls, but its smaller size renders it even less open 
to objection than some other members of its family. 
42. Glaucous Gull. BURGOMASTER. FR.—LE GOKLAND A MANTEAU GLAUQUE. 
Larus hyperboreus. L, 28. The Glaucous Gull is one of the largest of the Gulls. In the 
adult, the mantle is only slightly tinged with grey; younger specimens are nearly pure 
white all over. It is the largest of the white-winged Gulls (those having no black on the 
wing tips). Birds of the year are only slightly barred with ashy or brownish grey. 
Distinctions. Its nearly white coloration separates it from the Black-backed which 
it resembles in point of size. 
Field Marks. Size, general white coloration, and lack of black wing tip make the 
best recognition marks in life. 
Nesting. On ground, in the far north. 
Distribution. Breeds along the circumpolar coasts and islands of both hemispheres. 
Occurs on our Atlantic coast in autumn and winter when a few individuals wander inland 
to lake Ontario and perhaps to lake Erie. 
Economic Status. Being only a winter visitor to our coasts and rarely 
appearing inland, its economic importance is unappreciable. 
43. Iceland Gull. FR.—LE GOEBLAND A AILES BLANCHES. Larus leucopterus. L, 24. 
The Iceland Gull is of about the same size as the Herring Gull, but with very light grey or 
white mantle and white wing tips—a smaller edition of the Glaucous. 
Distinctions. Size, and white instead of black wing tips. 
Field Marks. Size, wing tips, and general whiteness of coloration. 
Nesting. On ground. 
Distribution. Breeds in the Arctic regions of eastern America and western Europe. 
Visits our Atlantic coast in winter only, rarely straggling inland as far as lake Ontario. 
Economic Status. As it is only a winter visitor on our sea coasts and 
accidental on the Great Lakes, it has little if any economic importance. 
47. Great Black-backed Gull. sSADDLE-BACK. COFFIN CARRIER. FR.—LE GOE- 
LAND A MANTEAU NOIR. LE GROS GOERLAND. Larus marinus. L, 29. A very large Gull, 
the adult with a distinctive black mantle. 
Distinctions. Large size and black back are characteristic of the adult. Juveniles 
are brown instead of ashy or white as in the Glaucous Gull, more striped on back and less 
evenly coloured than the Herring Gull. 
Field Marks. Large size and black back are good field marks for the adult. Size 
is the only describable distinction for juveniles in life. 
