( 118) 
BLACK-HEADED, OR LAUGHING GULL. 
LARUS ATRICILLA, LINN. 
PLATE CCCXIV. Mace In sprine, AND YOUNG. 
Before entering upon the peculiar habits of this Gull, allow me, 
good-natured Reader, to present you with some general observations 
on the genus to which it belongs. 
At the approach of autumn, it frequently happens that the young 
birds of several species associate together, congregating at times in 
vast numbers, and especially during low tides, on the outer margins of 
sand-bars situated in estuaries. 'There you may hear them keeping up 
an almost incessant cackle, and see them running about. dressing their 
plumage, or patiently waiting the rising of the waters, on which much 
desired event taking place, they generally disperse, and fly off to search 
for food. If disturbed while thus reposing, they shew greater shyness, 
perhaps, than at any other time, and the loud note of alarm from one 
of the group soon reaches your ear. Look at them now, Reader, as 
they simultaneously spread their wings, and after a step or two launch 
into the air, gradually ascend, and in silence rise to a great height, 
performing extended gyrations, and advancing toward the open sea. 
It seldom happens that when one of the larger species is shot, its 
companions will come to the rescue, as is the case with the smaller, 
such as the Kittiwake, and the present species. I have thought it 
remarkable how keenly and aptly Gulls generally discover at once the 
intentions towards them of individuals of our own species. ‘To the 
peaceable and industrious fisherman they scarcely pay any regard, whe- 
ther he drags his heavy net along the shore, or patiently waits until his 
well-baited hook is gulped below the dancing yet well-anchored bark, 
over the side of which he leans in constant and anxious expectation. At 
such a time indeed, if the fisher has had much success, and his boat dis- 
plays a good store, Gulls will almost assail him like so many beggars, and 
perhaps receive from him a trifling yet dainty morsel. But, on the op- 
posite side of the bay, see how carefully and suspiciously the same 
birds are watching every step of the man who, with a long gun held in 
a trailing position, tries to approach the flock of sleeping Widgeons. 
