218 



BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



and tail, black (the latter has twelve feathers) ; crest (which 

 is assumed in early spring and said to disappear by the 

 latter part of May), greenish-black ; under parts, deep rich 

 green, iridescent with purple ; irides, green ; bill, blackish ; 

 base of under mandible, yellow ; legs, feet, and webs, black. 

 Length, from twenty-six to twenty-seven inches. The 

 female same as male. 



<5annet 



THE Gannet (Sula bassana, Brisson) is a resident species in 

 our British waters, varying in numbers according to the 



