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CASSELL'S BOOK OF BIRDS. 



bird resembles that of the larger Sea Gulls, but is not so equable. Sometimes the celerity of its 

 movements will bear comparison with those of the Hawks and Eagles. Sometimes it skims over the 

 surface of the sea without the slightest perceptible motion of its wings, or rushes from a great height 

 obliquely downwards towards the surface of the sea, tearing through the air with surprising rapidity. 

 In daring, thieving, and unsociableness it not only far exceeds the Gulls, but surpasses every other 

 sea-bird. Of all the tyrants of the sea it is the most universally dreaded ; it has no participation or 

 friendship with any other species ; and although only the strongest of its enemies ever venture to 



THE COMMON skua (Lestr.s catarractes). 



attack so redoubtable a foe, it is held in universal abhorrence. The opinion entertained by other 

 birds as to its cunning and ferocity is best exemplified by the fact that even such as are far larger and 

 stronger than their oppressors submit to be robbed and bullied in the manner we have described, with- 

 out making the slightest resistance. The appetite of the Skuas is exactly proportioned to their restless- 

 ness and activity. So long as they are on the wing they are constantly employed in satisfying the 

 cravings of their ravenous maw. Should no other bird appear in sight upon which to exercise their 

 avocation as highwaymen, they are under the necessity of fishing for themselves, and if not successful 

 in their endeavours to obtain a meal, have recourse to the shore, upon which they diligently search 

 for anything in the shape of food that may have been left by the receding tide. Should this resource 

 likewise fail them, they fly off into the fields and inland marshes, where they pick up worms, insects, and 

 small mollusca ; or should they meet with a sea-bird similarly occupied, they at once give chase, exhibiting 



