GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL 



GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL GREAT BLACK AND 



WHITE GULL. 



PLATE CCXXVII. FIGURE I. 



Larus marinus, . . LINNAEUS. GMELIN. BRUNNICH. 

 Larus niger, . . BRISSON. 

 Larus ncevius, . . GMELIN. 



THE Great Black-backed Gull is a resident or partial 

 migrant. 



It builds chiefly in marshes and low undrained moors, as 

 also in and on the cliffs and rocky islets of the sea-coast 

 and of inland lakes, making its nursery of dry-grass, sea- 

 weeds, and sticks. Many resort to the same place. The 

 nest is of large size. Both male and female assist in its 

 construction. 



The eggs are usually three in number, sometimes two. 

 They are considered good to eat, and great numbers are 

 taken for the purpose, the first and second clutch being 

 removed, and the bird then laying a third time. Their 

 colour is yellowish brown, boldly blotched with dark grey 

 and umber. 



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