336 



BRITISH BIRDS. 



of vermilion*. According to Saunders the Iceland Gull has proportionally 

 longer wings than the Glaucous Gull. 



* This difference in the colour of the orbits is pointed out by Naumann, and by Baird, 

 Brewer, and Ridgway, but is not mentioned by Saunders. Dresser describes the orbits of 

 the Glaucous Gull as vermilion, but colours them white ; and he appears to be incorrect 

 both in his figure and description of those of the Iceland Gull. Respecting the colour of 

 the legs and feet authorities appear to differ. In both species they are normally flesh- 

 coloured ; but Naumann says that very old birds of the Glaucous Gull have pale yellow 

 legs, whilst Baird, Brewer, and Ridgway say that very old examples of the Iceland Gull 

 often have orange-red legs. Dresser describes the legs of both species as flesh-coloured, 

 but figures those of the larger one yellow, and of the smaller pink. 



