60 THE COMMON GULL 



of the lesser grebe, both of which cover up the eggs, like the water- 

 hen, when leaving the nest. 



The COMMON GULL (Larus canus), Fig. 42, included in the family 

 Laridae and sub-family Larinae or Gulls, is common on the 

 coasts of the British Islands. It is distinguished by the straight 

 bill, by the light body supported by large wings, by slender legs, 

 palmated feet, and a small hind toe. It breeds in great numbers 

 on the rocky coasts, or inland in moory districts. Its nest is 

 composed of grass, rushes and other materials, and contains three 

 or four eggs, of an olive-green marked with very dark brown. ' 



FIG. 42. THE COMMON GULL. 



The gulls are exceedingly voracious, fighting with each other for 

 prey. They keep much on the wing, and, though swimming 

 well, do not dive, but snatch up their prey when at or near the surface. 

 They are patient of hunger, but will feed upon every kind of animal 

 food, either dead or alive, putrid or fresh. Their principal food, 

 however, is fish, but they also feed on mollusca, Crustacea, etc. 

 Inland, the gulls, visiting the fields in autumn, winter, and spring 

 to some distance from the coast, feed upon worms, frogs, mice 

 (bolting them head foremost), cockchafer grubs, wireworms, beetles 

 and other insects with their larvae and pupae. During the winter 

 gulls frequent the estuaries of rivers, sometimes visiting ship- 

 ping centres, such as London, and in presence of food abide 

 until mild weather in early spring. Gulls are easily tamed, and 

 always display the same quarrelsome and voracious habits as on 



