286 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



frequent the sea-shore, but at the time of storms they venture further 

 inland. They fly very rapidly, even against the strongest wind. They 

 pursue the Kittiwakes and Terns most inveterately, and sometimes 

 even Boobies and Cormorants, their aim being to deprive these birds 

 of their prey, or to force them to disgorge or drop their booty, which, 

 before it falls into the sea, is caught by the active persecutor. This 

 singular habit has given rise to the belief that Skuas feed upon the 

 excrement of the Kittiwake, and to this they owe their name of 

 Dung-birds. 



Fig. 106. Buffon's Skua. 



In some countries, as the Shetland Islands, these birds are 

 held in veneration. The care and protection of the sheep are almost 

 entirely entrusted to them, owing to their possessing an inveterate 

 hatred against eagles j for as soon as the monarch of the air appears 

 in view, three or four of them combine together to give him battle. 

 They never attack him in front, but harass him pitilessly until they 

 force him to retreat. In recompense for these services the inhabit- 

 ants are in the habit of throwing to the Skuas the refuse from their 

 fisheries. 



These Birds live much in solitude, so that they may be able to 

 procure a greater abundance of food, which consists of fish, molluscs, 

 eggs, young sea-birds, and small mammals. They inhabit the Arctic 

 regions of Europe and America, and make their nests in the heather ; 



