i- 



56 BIRD GALLERY. 



colonies are to be found on the Fame Islands, Flamborough Head, 

 the Scilly Islands, Lundy Island, and round the coasts and islands 

 of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland. The nest, usually formed of seaweed 

 and lined with grass, is placed on a ledge of rock and contains two or 

 three pale buff eggs, spotted with reddish-brown and ash-grey. 

 The trivial name "Kittiwake " is derived from its note. 



No. 149. GANNET or SOLAN GOOSE. (Sula bassana.) 



During the autumn and winter months the Gannet is found through- 

 out British waters, but in spring it repairs in countless numbers to 

 some isolated rock to breed. The most noted breeding colonies are at 

 Lundy Island, Grassholm, off Pembrokeshire, Ailsa Craig, Sulisgeir, off 

 the Butt of Lewis, Boreray in the St. Kilda group, and the Bass Rock ; 

 in Ireland it breeds on the Bull Rock off Co. Cork and on the Little 

 Skellig. It feeds on fish, which are obtained by plunging, often from 

 a great height. The nest of seaweed and grass coutains only one eg^, 

 which is pale blue overlaid with a chalky-white coating. The young 

 are naked when hatched, but soon become covered with white down, 

 which in a few weeks gives place to dark feathers tipped with white. 

 The mature plumage is not assumed till the fifth year. 



No. 150. GUILLEMOT. (Uria troilc.) 



The Murre or Marrot, as it is often called, is found throughout the 

 year in the open seas surrounding the British Islands. Towards the end 

 of March vast numbers make for land, and assemble in immense colonies 

 at their accustomed nesting-places on island-cliffs or precipices. A single 

 large pear-shaped egg, which varies greatly in colour and markings, is 

 laid in May or June on an open ledge of the rock or on the flat top of 

 some " stack." The female usually sits facing the cliff, holding the 

 e^ between her legs with the point outwards. 



The Guillemot feeds on fish and is an expert diver, using its win^s 

 as a means of propulsion under water. 



Presented by Edward Bidwe/l, Esq. 



No. 151. MONTAGU'S HARRIER. (Circus pygargus.) 



Though a common summer visitor to Europe, this Harrier is now 



scarce in the British Islands. Every year a few pairs arrive in April 



and attempt to nest in the eastern and southern counties of England and 



occasionally in Wales, but they are seldom allowed to rear their young 



