The Lesser Black-backed Gull 



firths in the west of Scotland. In Ireland it is generally 

 distributed and nests sparingly round the coast. In all its 

 habits this species so closely resembles the Herring Gull 

 that further description is unnecessary. 



The adult only differs from the preceding species in 

 being black on the mantle and wing coverts, and in the 

 colour of the legs, which are yellow. Length 22 in. ; wing 

 16 in. 



It is almost impossible to distinguish the young of this 

 species in their first autumn. 



THE GREATER BLACK-BACKED GULL 



Larus mariiius, Linnteus 



This species may be found during the winter on almost 

 any part of our shores, but it is by no means so abundant 

 as the Herring Gull. 



As a breeding species in England it is rather scarce, 

 chiefly owing to lack of suitable places, but in Scotland it 

 is abundant. It is a bold and majestic species, with a fine 

 soaring flight, but we must acknowledge that it is terribly 

 destructive to weakly lambs and young water-fowl. 

 Practically omnivorous, nothing comes amiss to this 

 rapacious bird, and its food consists largely of carrion 

 and other refuse of the shore. Although it has often been 

 denied, this and other species of Gulls can completely im- 

 merse themselves and pick up food from the bottom in at 

 least three feet of water, and we have repeatedly observed 



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