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dible ; feet flesh colored. Young, with the upper parts marked 

 with brownish-black, dull white, and pale brownish-gray ; lower 

 parts grayish-white, as are the head and neck ; tail white, with a 

 black spot toward the end — the middle feathers barred with light- 

 er toward the base ; primary quills blackish-brown — their tips 

 lighter; bill brownish-black. 



The Black-backed or " Saddle Back Gull," is said to be an in- 

 habitant of various parts of the northern shores of the American 

 continent. At the approach of winter, it migrates to the extreme 

 southern part of the United States, where, according to Mr. Audu- 

 bon, it is not uncommon. With us, it is not in general very abun- 

 dant, though at some seasons considerable numbers are observed 

 along the sea coast of Long Island. 



The Black-backed Gull, like others of the Genus, feeds indiscri- 

 minately on fish, and various productions of the sea ; and it is said 

 by Montagu, that the Asterias, or Star-fish, contribute largely to 

 its support. This species is extremely ravenous, and when pressed 

 by hunger, attacks smaller Gulls ; and it is also said to descend 

 upon hares and grouse; when other food cannot be easily obtained, 

 it frequents the shore, and feeds upon dead fish and other substan- 

 ces thrown up by the sea. It is exceedingly wary, and difficult to 

 obtain ; and when not in quest of food, soar to a great height in the 

 air. Its flight is majestic, and performed in wide circles, and from 

 its safe and lofty position, its loud and raucous cry is often heard. 



LARUS SABINA— SABINI. 



FORK-TAILED GULL. 



Laras Sabini, Fork-tailed Gull, Sw. & Rich. 

 Fork-tailed Gull, Nuttall. 

 Fork-tailed Gull, Laras Sabini, Aud. 



Specific Character— Bill black, rather slender, with the upper 

 mandible curved at point; tail deeply forked. Adult with the 

 head and upper part of neck blackish-gray, bounded by a collar of 

 pure black; back and wings bluish-gray; primaries black, with 



