io8 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



HERRING GULL. Larus argentatus, Gmelin. 



Yarrell, iii. p. 6t8; Harting, p. 77; Dresser, viii. p. 399; 

 Seebohm, iii. p. 326; Ibis List, p. 188; Lams fuscus, 

 Pulteney's List, p. 18. 



The Herring Gull is the most abundant and 

 generally distributed of the genus. It breeds in 

 every available locality on the chalk, oolite, and 

 shale cliffs on the coast. It wanders inland in large 

 numbers to great distances, remaining there as late 

 as April and May. For some account of its nesting 

 habits as observed on the Dorsetshire coast, see The 

 Zoologist, 1865, p. 9677. 



LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus fuscus, L. 



Yarrell, iii. p. 624; Harting, p. 77; Dresser, viii. p. 421; 

 Seebohm, iii. p. 319; Ibis List, p. 189; Pultenei/s List, 

 p. 18. 



Frequently seen on the coast, although it is not 

 known to have nested here. It may very likely breed 

 in the Portland and Purbeck Cliffs, and possibly 

 also at Whitenore ; but of this I have no authentic 

 record. See TJie Zoologist, 1865, p. 9677. 



GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Larus marinus, L. 



Yarrell, iii. p. 631; Harting, p. 77; Dresser, viii. p. 427; 

 Seebohm, iii. p. 323; Ibis List, p. 189; Larus neevius 

 (young), Pulteney's List, p. 18. 



Compared with the Herring Gull, this is a much 

 scarcer bird in the breeding season on the rocky cliffs 



