38 BRITISH SEA BIRDS. 



used the term is, to say the least, somewhat mis- 

 leading. This species belongs to a small group 

 which might more appropriately be termed 

 " marsh " Gulls. It is almost as much seen in 

 certain inland localities as it is in marine ones ; 

 whilst in many of its habits it bears a close 

 resemblance to the Rook feeding on the pastures, 

 following the plough, and perching regularly in 

 trees. During spring and summer many of these 

 Gulls resort to inland haunts to breed as for 

 instance at Scoulton Mere in Norfolk, Twigmoor in 

 Lincolnshire, and Aqualate Mere in Staffordshire 

 and from these centres visit the surrounding country 

 for miles, in quest of food. Slob-lands and low 

 muddy coasts are favourite haunts of this Gull, but 

 during the non-breeding season it may be met with 

 on almost all parts of the coast. In winter it often 

 wanders up the larger tidal rivers for miles ; and 

 the Gulls that visited the Thames in such abun- 

 dance during recent winters, were principally of 

 this species, doubtless from Norfolk and Essex. 

 Many of these Gulls appear to pass our southern 

 coasts, especially in spring, and I have remarked 

 them again in great plenty during the sprat season 

 in late autumn. I may in addition state that this 

 migration has been observed along the coast of 

 South Devon, the nearest breeding station being 

 near Poole in Dorset. The birds linger about Tor 

 Bay in spring until, in many cases, the full breeding 

 plumage the sooty-brown head is assumed. 



