155 



GEEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 



GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. GREAT BLACK AND WHITE GULL. 



WAGEL (YOUNG.) COBB. 

 PLATE CCXXVII. FIG. I. 



Larus marinus, LINNAEUS. GMKLIN. BEUKNICH. 



Larus niger, BRISSON. 



Lams n&vius, GTMELHT. 



THE Great Black-backed Gull builds chiefly in marshes and low un- 

 drained 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 three in number. They are considered very 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, with a tinge of green, a little spotted with 

 bluish grey and dark brown. 



