HERRING GULL. 247 



borders of lakes and rivers, though these visitors are chiefly 

 the young. 



Mr. Audubon found these birds breeding abundantly on 

 Grand Menan Island, in the Bay of Fundy, on low fir-trees as 

 well as on the ground, the nest being large and loose, com- 

 posed of sea-weeds, roots, sticks, and feathers. They are very 

 resentful and clamorous when approached, screaming or bark- 

 ing with a sound like akak kakak. This Gull also inhabits other 

 islands, and he found it again in Labrador. It is ravenous, and 

 tyrannical to other small birds. The young and the eggs are 

 considered as palatable food, though the principal food of the 

 bird is fish or floating matter. 



This is the Common Gull of our harbors and inland lakes, oc- 

 curring in abundance throughout this continent, and breeding from 

 latitude 45° northward. Turner found it abundant on Hudson 

 Straits, but Hagerup saw very few examples in Southern Greenland. 

 In winter these birds are seen in numbers on the Great Lakes and 

 the larger rivers and lakes of the interior, as well as along the sea- 

 coast from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cuba. 



Mr. Chapman considers " this species is by far the most abun- 

 dant winter Gull along the coast of the Middle and Southern 

 States." 



Although Herring Gulls appear at times both shy and fierce, they 

 are easily domesticated if taken young, and make pleasant pets. 

 They thrive on a mixed diet, and feast on cold porridge or dead rat 

 with equal relish. 



Their formula for disposing of a rat is unique. First break the 

 rat's bones by crunching them with the bill ; then dip the carcase 

 in water, and when thoroughly soaked, swallow it whole, — head 

 first. 



Note. — The European form of the Herring Gull (Z. argcn- 

 tatus) is said to occur occasionally on this side of the Atlantic. 



