308 



THE LAEID^. 



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

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



Fig 110 — Grc^ Sp I Mpws (L inf: lanus, liiniUl 



with the exception of a grej^ 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 [Stercoraria, Vicillot), Fig. 

 Ill, is remarkable for its stout bill, which is nearl}* C3din- 



111. — The Common Sku;i t^L::slr. 



crurucle.^, Yiutl'II). 



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

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



