LAUGHING GULL. 



PLATE CCXXIII. - FIG. I. 



Larus afi-ieiJJa, MONTAGU. FLEMING. 



africilla, GOULD. 



THE present species builds in marshy places near the sea-shore. 

 Meyer asserts that during fine weather this bird sits on the eggs only 

 at night, leaving the bree"ding-place early in the morning for the purpose 

 of feeding; but that, when the weather is wet or cold, she remains on 

 the eggs, and takes care of them also during the day. 



The nest is made of dry grass and sea-weeds, arranged to a height 

 of two or three inches, the interior being from four and a half to five 

 inches wide, and one and a half deep. 



Audubon mentions a curious instance of two nests being built as it 

 were into one; each pair of birds, both male and female, living in the 

 closest companionship, in both senses of the word. In some instances 

 the sand alone is hollowed into a nest. 



The eggs are three in number at the most; their usual colour is 

 brownish olive, spotted and blotted with dull reddish brown, the said 

 markings being most numerous about the larger end. They are con- 

 sidered very good to eat. 



The old birds exhibit much care for their charge. The young ones 

 quit the nest soon after being hatched. 



The plate is from an egg forwarded by Mr. Wise. 



