306 



THE TARROCK. 



Larus tridactylus, LINN.KUS; Larus rissa, cinereus et naevius, LINNAEUS; La 

 Monette cendree, BUFFON ; Der Wintermeeve, BECHSTEIN. 



THESE birds, about fourteen inches in length, change their 

 plumage till they are four years old, which occasions great 

 variety. In the old ones, the beak is yellowish green on the 

 outside, and orange within ; the feet are olive, and are with- 

 out the back toe ; the head, throat, neck, the rest of the upper 

 part of the body, and the tail, are white. There is often a 

 blackish streak behind the ear; the back and wing-coverts 

 are pale grey or bluish ; the quill-feathers are white ; the 

 primaries are tipped with black : those that have a dark grey 

 crescent on the neck have not attained their fourth year ; those 

 streaked are young ones. 



OBSERVATIONS. The tarrocks remain in the north of Europe during 

 summer, and go south in winter. In February, when snow comes after 

 mild weather, great numbers are seen to stop on the ponds and rivers in 

 Germany, where many perish; they may then be taken with nets and 

 snares placed on the banks, after removing the snow. Though their 

 proper food is fish and aquatic insects, they are contented, in the poultry- 

 yard, with bread and other food ; are easily tamed, and live equally well 

 on the water or the land ; in winter, they should be kept in a moderately 

 warm situation ; they may even be left in the court, driving them in the 

 evening into the place appropriated to them for the night. 



