THE HERRING GULL. 285 



use of their wings that they become lighter in 

 plumage, and it is evident that their parents must 

 assist them to the water, for we have seen young 

 gulls of this and other species swimming about with 

 the old birds long before they could fly. They are 

 three years in acquiring the adult plumage ; and, 

 in all probability, do not breed before this is fully 

 assumed. We have looked in vain, during the 

 nesting season, for immature or spotted birds 

 amongst many hundreds of old ones. 



From their habit of preying upon the herring 

 fry, and other surface -feeding fish, they have 

 received the name of Herring Gull. There is no 

 doubt, however, that they are quite as omnivorous 

 as others of the genus. Crabs and shrimps are 

 daily items in the bill of fare, and mice and young 

 birds are sure to be pounced upon when they come 

 in the way. We have repeatedly seen Herring 

 Gulls following the plough and seizing worms and 

 larvae from the newly -turned soil. It is reported 

 also that this bird feeds on grain. 



It is easily tamed, and will breed in confinement. 

 The young have several times been reared in the 

 gardens of the Zoological Society, and other in- 



