THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 85 



shot are generally immature birds ; incidentally an 

 adult may be shot on the river or flying over the 

 land. 



COMMON GULL. 

 Larus canus, Linn. 



The Common Gull is of frequent occurrence on 

 the Medway ; they are pretty generally distributed, 

 more particularly where food is to be had, it never 

 comes inland. 



LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 

 Larus fuscuS) Linn. 



The Lesser Black-backed Gull comes on the 

 Medway in small numbers, flies high, therefore the 

 black back and white breast is plainly distinguished 

 at a distance ; the immature, with brown mottled 

 plumage, are often shot. 



HERRING GULL. 

 Larus argentatus, Gmel. 



The Herring Gull flies over the land at the time of 

 the sprat season and makes familiar acquaintance 

 with the Black-headed Gull ; like them it follows the 

 waggons from the wharf into the field, keeping them 

 company all the while the sprats are exposed, they 

 are not so numerous as the black-heads by about 30 



