270 ARCTIC SKUA. 



An Orkney specimen of this bird, but we do not 

 know at what season obtained, has the crown, back, 

 wings and tail very deep greyish clove-brown, the 

 under parts greyish brown, the sides of the neck 

 glistening sienna-yellow, but not so bright as when 

 killed at breeding season; the centre-feathers ex- 

 ceed the others by three inches. 



Before passing from these remarkable gulls, we 

 may observe, that it is generally stated that they 

 derive their whole food from their pursuit of other 

 birds, using what they are made to disgorge. In 

 the somewhat analogous case of the fish-hawks, we 

 know this is practised ; but, at the same time, these 

 birds can and do forage for themselyes, and we 

 would almost be inclined to believe that the Skuas 

 are not quite dependent on the work of others, 

 but occasionally seek food for themselves, and that 

 the large species will feed on carrion thrown upon 

 the coast. We acknowledge that we have never 

 seen these birds employed for themselves, but would 

 wish a little more attention was paid to this part 

 of their economy by those who have the oppor- 

 tunities. 



The next group of birds we shall notice, though 

 not immediately connected with the Skuas, is the 

 TernS) contrasting with them in the delicacy of their 

 plumage and the slight, airy, and elegant proportions 

 of their form; they lead us directly to the True 

 Gulls t>y means of the intermediate form represented 



