Order Gavi>e. 7 



Stercorarius may be distinguished from Megalestris by the smaller size and 

 slenderer bodies of the birds ; by the depth of the bill being less than the length 

 of the cere ; the tarsus markedly less than, instead of subequal to, the middle toe 

 and claw, and in having the central tail feathers three to four inches, instead of 

 half an inch, longer than the rest 



The young of the Skua emerges from the egg as a downy nestling, which in 

 a few weeks, on becoming fledged, assumes a garb like its parents, but with bars 

 and mottlings of a lighter colour. After becoming adult, Skuas show little 

 seasonal change. 



In compiling this account of the present state of our knowledge of the 

 British Gaviae, we have to acknowledge our great indebtedness to the writings 

 (including correspondence) of Mr. Howard Saunders, the highest European 

 authority on this group, which we have often laid under liberal contribution. 



HENRY O. FORBES. 

 ANNA FORBES. 



