102 COMMON AMERICAN GULL. 



primaries, and differences were also observable in the length of the tarsus 

 and toes ; but all had the same voice, and were actually of the same spe- 

 cies. We also found considerable differences in their size and weight, 

 even in individuals of the same sex, some weighing one pound, others four 

 ounces more, and some so much as one pound ten ounces. The males, 

 at an average, were larger than the females. Not a bird of any other 

 species was found there, or on the grassy islands. 



Whatever opinion may be held as to the synonyms of this Gull, I am 

 perfectly assured of the above mentioned variations in the colour, size, 

 and markings of the younger and older birds. I am equally sure that no 

 individuals acquire the full beauty of their plumage before the third 

 spring. The young are at first of a dull greenish-yellow, spotted with 

 dark bro^vn on the head and rump. In a very few days they leave the 

 nest, ramble about in its vicinity, waiting the arrival of their parents with 

 food, and conceal themselves under stones or in crevices at the appearance 

 of danger. When a few weeks old, they do not hesitate, on being pur- 

 sued, to betake themselves to the water, where they swim with great 

 lightness. When about the size of pigeons, they assume a brownish "co- 

 lour, each feather being broadly banded or tipped with light ferruginous 

 and grey. At this season, the fishermen of Labrador and Newfoundland 

 kill them in great numbers, and pack them in salt for winter use. I was 

 much surprised one morning while at Labrador, to see one of the barges 

 of the Gulnare come alongside of the Ripley after a long cruize, when offi- 

 cers and men were glad to have a good mess of these young Gulls in the 

 bow of their boat, they having run short of provisions. 



Larus zonorhynchus, Swaiiis. and Richards. Fauna Bor. Amer. part ii. p. 421. 

 Ring-billed Mew-gull, Larus zonorhynchus, Nutlall, Manual, vol. ii. p. 300. 



Adult Male in summer plumage. Plate CCXII. Fig. 1. 



Bill shorter than the head, robust, nearly straight, compressed. Up- 

 per mandible with the dorsal line nearly straight at the base, arched and 

 declinate towards the end, the ridge convex, the sides slightly convex, 

 the edges sharp inflected, arched, the tip rather obtuse. Nasal groove 

 rather long and narrow ; nostrils in its fore part, lateral, longitudinal, 

 linear, wider anteriorly, open, and pervious. Lower mandible with a 

 prominence at the end of the angle, which is long and nai-row, the dorsal 



