308 



THE LAEID^E. 



The Grey Sea Mew, Larus canus (Fig. 110), is commonly 

 called the Sea Pigeon. Its plumage is of a beautiful white colour 



Fig. 110. Grey Sea Mews (Larus canus, Yarrell). 



with the exception of a grey back. When tempests threaten, this 

 species disperses in flocks over the inland districts. It is common 

 in summer in the regions of the Arctic Circle ; in autumn and 

 winter it is found on the sea- coasts of temperate and southern 

 Europe. 



The Skua, Labbe, or Dung-bird (Stercwaria, Vieillot), Fig. 

 Ill, is remarkable for its stout bill, which is nearly cj^lin- 



Fig. 111. The Common Skua (Lestns cataractes, Yarrell). 



drical, and covered with a membrane from the base as far as the 

 nostrils; the upper mandible is convex, hooked, and armed at 



