GREAT 



LACK-BACKED 

 GULL 



Larus mannus 



HE Great Black-backed Gull is the largest species of its 

 genus found in our Islands, and is a resident. In the 

 breeding season it principally frequents the neighbourhood 

 of rocky coasts and mountain lochs, where it is secure 

 from persecution ; hence it is more commonly met with in 

 Scotland than in England, and is not known to breed on 

 any of the low-lying eastern coasts. 



The Great Black-backed Gull is the most wary of all the Gulls, and takes 

 greater pains to build its nest in some inaccessible spot than any other of its 

 relatives. It is very difficult to approach within gunshot of it, as it seems always 

 to be afraid of being killed, and the inaccessible rocks on our northern coasts are 

 its favourite haunts. There it reigns supreme, as no bird can dare to defy it, 

 and it is one of the greatest robbers and murderers of the sea-coast. It is an 

 oceanic species, and often wanders immense distances from land, sleeping on the 

 surface of the water. It flies very steadily and slowly, reminding one rather 

 of the Heron, and may be seen sailing round and round with outstretched 

 wings at a great height from the ground, like some Eagle or Vulture. 



The Great Black-backed Gull is the scavenger of the coast; nothing 

 comes amiss to it; no dead fish or carrion, however putrid, is passed by, and 

 its powerful bill can break the strong shell-fish or crab. In the breeding 

 season it steals the eggs from the Gulls' and Terns' nests, and carries off the 

 young birds from the ledges where the Kittiwakes, Guillemots, and Razorbills 

 breed ; the Eider Ducks' nests are also despoiled by it, and the down scattered 

 far and wide. In winter-time the Black-backed Gulls collect together and 

 attend on the fishing fleets, picking up any offal or undersized fish which 

 may be thrown overboard. 



The notes of the Great Black-backed Gull are harsh and loud ; its call- 



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