GEEAT BLACK-BACKED GULL 435 



frequents the rock-bound as well as the flat and sandy 

 portions of the coast. It is tolerably widespread over the 

 British Isles, appearing less plentiful than it really is, owing 

 to its solitary and wary habits. Save at the nesting-sites, 

 it is generally seen alone or in small parties, but an 

 abundance of offal, such as stranded carcases, will bring 

 double or treble the usual numbers together. The figure 

 of this giant Gull, standing on the sands amid hundreds of 

 smaller birds, is known to most of us. Its pose, motionless 

 but stately, as though discarding its surroundings and the 

 ceaseless activity of its smaller companions, its lordly size, 

 powerful build, and handsome plumage, at once enlist our 

 admiration, despite its cruel and cunning habits. 



The Great Black-backed Gull is a true lover of the 

 sea, rarely visiting inland waters. Hardy by nature, it can 

 brave the effects of the roughest weather, and is equally 

 at home on the rugged, storm-swept shores and islands 

 remote from human habitation, as in the shelter of our bays 

 and harbours. Its superior strength renders it more than 

 a match for the Falcon or Skua, so that in its maritime 

 home it dwells in comparative safety. 



This Gull is notorious for its cunning sagacity ; it rises 

 from the ground with apparent indifference, flaps its great 

 wings leisurely, almost sluggishly, yet all the time it is 

 cool and collected, and can, to a nicety, calculate the right 

 time to shun any approaching danger. 



Flight. In the air the bird is seen to the best advan- 

 tage, now gliding past with immense outspread pinions, now 

 indulging in magnificent wheeling movements, suddenly a 

 downward dart to the water and up again, finally sailing out 

 to sea, until the mighty form is lost to view. 



Voice. The cry, though hoarse, is feeble and muttering, 

 differing from the characteristic, discordant yell of most other 

 Gulls. The note may be syllabled ac-ag-ag, ac-ac-ag-ag, 

 often uttered during flight, especially when the bird passes 

 an observer at close quarters. 



Food. This rapacious creature purloins the eggs and fledg- 

 lings of various sea-birds, captures and devours small land- 

 birds whenever opportunity arises, notably during their migra- 

 tion over the sea, and ferociously attacks wounded birds, some 

 as large as itself. Winged Wigeons fluttering on the sea 

 are quickly despatched, and even uninjured Brent Geese rise 

 when this pirate appears overhead (Ussher). Mammals, such 

 as rats and young rabbits, are seized and torn to pieces by 



