LXXXIV. YOUNG GULLS. 



HERRING GULLS and other laridse do not assume the adult 

 plumage of white and grey for a year at least the Solan Goose 

 is even longer. In former times, when natural history was not 

 so much studied as it is now, the young Herring Gull was sup- 

 posed, from the dissimilarity of its plumage, to be of a different 

 species, and was called the " Wagel " or " Burgomaster." 



The young Kittiwake, in the first year, has part of the wings 

 and back dark, and a dark ring round the back of the neck. It 

 used to be called the " Tarrock," and was supposed also to be of 

 a different species. It is like the Common Seamew, but has no 

 hind toe only a small excrescence ; also, instead of the Sea- 

 mew's inarticulate scream, its cry is distinctly " Kittiwake " 

 (hence the name). There is another distinguishing mark which 

 has not been noticed in any description a red patch at the 

 edges of the gape and at the base of the lower mandible. 



The Kittiwake builds on the highest ledge of the high cliffs 

 at Barrahead, and in the westmost islands ; the Seamew on quite 

 low rocky islands in the upper part of Loch Ailort. Most young 

 Gulls are brownish and speckled at first a less conspicuous 

 colour than the white and light grey of their maturer years, and 

 more suitable in the helpless stage of youth, when concealment is 

 their only safety. The young Tern has its first feathers edged 

 with drab colour, and its beak and feet pale orange ; not the 

 brilliant scarlet they afterwards become. 



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