PLATE CLXXVI. 



Tlie length of this bird is fixteen inches ; the plumage white, 

 with the head and neck monfe colour : tail white, and compofed of 

 twelve feathers ; the exterior one of which on each fide is white and 

 immaculate, the interior black at the tip, and the bill and legs red. 



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This is generally believed by Ornithologifts to be the Black-headed 

 Gull in its fummer ftate of plumage, the dark brown colour of the 

 head and neck affuming a more intenfe or blacker hue towards 

 the winter feafon. 



The Brown-headed Gulls are found, we underftand,, in plenty 

 along llie banks of the Thames and Medway towards the fea ; we have 

 ourfelves feen them among the flocks of gulls that haunt the Ihallow 

 waters olf the north of the ifle of Sheppy, in Kent ; and we think 

 alfo about the ifle of Grain^in the fame vicinity. That which we have 

 reprefented is a Leverian fpecimen ; and it may not be improper to 

 mention this, as the different fuppofed varieties of Larus Ridibundus 

 feem yet involved in fome obfcurity ; at leafl; there is a confiderabk 

 tliievfity of opinion among writers refpe^ing them^ 



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