BIRDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 381 



The WHITE-WINGED GULL. Larus leucopterus, is inserted on 

 the authority of Dr. Brewer, who has obtained it near Boston. 

 It is not found farther south than New York. Its flight resem- 

 bles that of the preceding species, but it differs from it in size 

 and markings, as well as in its greater fearlessness of man. It 

 breeds in the high northern regions. 



The BLACK-BACKED GULL, Larus marinus, is inserted on 

 the authority of the gentleman just mentioned, who has found 

 it in Boston harbor. It is a large and powerful bird, and 

 though shy and timid towards man, is very oppressive to other 

 sea-birds. It devours voraciously all sorts of food except vege- 

 tables, even in the last stages of decay, but young birds and 

 fish are its favorite food. The fish are caught as it flies, and 

 if not too large, swallowed without suspending its flight. It 

 makes great consternation among the sea-fowl, by sucking their 

 eggs, without regard to the remonstrances of the owners. 

 When young ducks are on the water, they seize them, none 

 except the eider having courage to resist ; they sometimes 

 plunge after fish in a considerable depth of water, but have no 

 facility in diving. These birds, powerful as their flight is, do 

 not go very far to the north to breed, nor are their breeding 

 places found more toward the south than the eastern extremity 

 of Maine. They do not go into the interior, except on the 

 great lakes ; they appear to rejoice in the storms of the ocean, 

 having power to force their way against the heaviest wind. 



The SKUA GULL, Lestris catarractes, called by Linnseus the 

 cataract yager, from the manner in which it darts down upon 

 its prey, is a bird belonging to high northern latitudes, but in 

 the depth of winter it comes as far south as Massachusetts. It 

 is a strong and daring bird, and though considerably less in size 

 than the preceding, readily attacks and puts him to flight. If 

 its nest is disturbed, it is completely insensible to danger, and 

 gives battle at once, not only to all other animals, but even to 

 man. Having all the rapacious habits of the gulls, with all 



