G08 LARIDJI. 



true Larus argentatus. On the southern parts of our coast 

 this is a common species, remaining all the year, and 

 breeding in the season at most of the localities frequented 

 by the Lesser Black-backed Gull. The Herring Gull is 

 particularly numerous at the Isle of Wight, from Fresh- 

 water Gate to that grouf) of isolated rocks, some of which, 

 from their conical and pointed forms, are called the 

 Needles ; and these birds are also found at many places 

 where the cliffs are high along the line of coast extending 

 to the westward. These Gulls make a nest of grass on 

 the ledges and other flat portions of the cliff near the top, 

 where they lay three eggs, which closely resemble those of 

 the Lesser Black-backed Gull. They are of a light olive 

 brown, spotted with two shades of dark brown, and mea- 

 sure two inches and a half in length, by one inch and 

 three-quarters in breadth. 



This Gull, from its partiality to fish, distinguished by 

 the name of Herring Gull, feeds upon surface-swimming 

 fish, mollusca, and radiata. This species is particularly 

 bold in approaching the boats and nets of the fishermen ; 

 and in Italy has acquired the name of Pescatore. 



A pair of this species bred in captivity at Quy Hall, the 

 residence of J. T. Martin, Esq. ; two eggs were laid, and 

 one young bird was reared. 



The Herring Gull is common, and resident, on many of 

 the rocky parts of the coast of Ireland ; it is found along 

 the line of the coast of Wales, in Cornwall, Devonshire, 

 Dorsetshire, and Hampshire. On the eastern coast it is 

 observed in Suffolk and Norfolk ; but Mr. Selby mentions 

 that it is far less numerous on the Northumbrian coast than 

 the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Mr. J. Macgillivray says, 

 the Herring Gull is abundant on some of the islands of the 

 Outer Hebrides, never breeding in the interior like the 

 Common Gull, but always on the coast. Mr. Hewitson 



