GLAUCOUS-GULL 173 



Naumann compares the flight to that of the common and rough-legged 

 buzzard, while Gray describes it as "soft, sedate, and owl-like." 

 When seen at close quarters, the conspicuous white or whitish quills 

 form a useful distinguishing character, especially as it is not 

 particularly wary, and will allow the observer to approach closely, as a 

 rule. The only other white-winged species is the Iceland-gull, which 

 is, however, a smaller bird. In full breeding plumage it is practically 

 all white except the pale grey mantle and wings, but, as Saxby points 

 out, at a distance it appears to be a dull, creamy white all over. He 

 also notes that in the water it sits more buoyantly than the herring- 

 gull 



When on the wing it generally flies high, and on migration is 

 almost always seen in company. It is less curious and inquisitive 

 than the other gulls, and does not show the same wish to closely 

 inspect every visitor. In the Shetlands, where it is little disturbed, 

 it will allow a very close approach. Saxby says that while wandering 

 along the shore he has more than once come across an old bird 

 feeding amongst the weed, and has seen it merely walk into the water 

 and swim about a little until he was past, and then wade leisurely 

 ashore and renew its search for food. 1 With the possible exception 

 of the kittiwake, none of the gulls which commonly visit us can be 

 said to be pleasant or desirable companions to any living creature 

 smaller or weaker than themselves; but though accounts of this 

 species vary, there seems little doubt that its disposition is less 

 savage and bloodthirsty than the great or lesser blackback or the 

 herring-gull. Its bearing is sedate and lacking in vivacity, and it 

 does not warn other species of the presence of danger, but contents 

 itself with quickly flying away. When pressed by hunger, of course it 

 is greedy and voracious to a degree, but, where carrion is obtainable, 

 it does not seem to pay much heed to smaller birds, except when 

 wounded or injured in some way, though there is little doubt that the 

 colonies which breed on the top of the great loomeries in Novaya 



1 Birds of Shetland, p. 350. 



