58. LAUGHING GULL. Lams atricilla. 



LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 



Range. Eastern North America, breeding 

 from the Gulf to Nova Scotia, chiefly on the 

 coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, with 

 a dark slate colored head, gray mantle, black 



Pale grayish brown Laughing Gull 



primaries, and white neck, underparts and tail. Bill and feet red. This bird 

 has its name from its peculiar laughing cry when alarmed or angry; it is 

 also called the Black-headed Gull. They nest by thousands on the islands off 

 the Gulf Coast and along the South . -^ 



Atlantic States. The nest is placed 

 on the ground and is made of sea- 

 weed. Three, four and sometimes 

 five eggs are laid, of a grayish to 

 greenish brown color, marked with 

 brown and lilac. Size 2.25 x 1.60. 

 Data. Timbalin Is., La., June 3, 

 1896. Three eggs. Nest of drift 

 grass thrown in a pile about 8 

 inches high, slightly hollowed on 

 top, in low marsh back of beach. 

 Collector, E. A. McTlhenny. RING-BILLED GULL-Gray 



47 



