GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 159 



GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. 



GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 

 GREAT BLACK AND WHITE GULL. WAGEL (YOUNG.) COBB. 



PLATE CCXXVII. FIGURE I. 



Larus marinus, LINN^US. GMELIN. BRUNNICH. 



Larus niger, BRISSON. 



Larus navius, GMELIN. 



rriHE Great Black-backed Gull 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 three in number. They are con- 

 sidered 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. 



