LXXXII. LESSEE BLACK-BACKED GULL. 



(Larus fuscus.} 



THE figure to the right in the next plate is from an adult Lesser 

 Black-backed Gull. The young Gull, whether Herring or Black- 

 backed, in the course of a few weeks changes his downy coat for 

 the mottled-brown plumage represented to the left of this plate. 

 This plumage is retained for at least one year, and the young 

 birds of the two species, as well as of the Great Black-backed 

 Gull, the plumage of which passes through corresponding changes, 

 are often mistaken for distinct species from their parents. 



THE BKOWN-HEADED GULL (Larus ridibundus). Dr Macvicar 

 writes me: " The Brown-headed Gull is only occasionally seen 

 in Loch Moidart in summer. It is common in winter, and 

 comes in numbers near the house to be fed during hard 

 weather, being less shy than the Common Gull." The COMMON 

 GULL (Larus canus) is by no means shy this hard winter 

 (1894-5). I never saw it come before about the houses in the 

 way it has done lately, both at cottage and castle eating up the 

 food laid out for poultry, pigeons, pheasants, or finches ; alighting 

 on window sills, and crowding in the carved balustrades at 

 Inveraray Castle. I suppose their great hunger may be accounted 

 for by the long frost preventing the plough from working, which 

 otherwise at this time of year might be turning up worms in 

 plenty. All the little birds that come to the house have required 

 extra feeding this winter (1894-1895). Many of our numerous 

 Thrushes have disappeared. The Blackbirds are more hardy. 

 Many other birds, not so well situated, have suffered from want, 

 especially Woodcocks, whom it is impossible to help. 



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