THE GENUS LARUS. 
259 
extending from the Arctic Circle to the Temperate regions. 
Very abundant in the Hebrides, Orkney and Zetland 
Islands. Temminck observes, that it is common on the 
coasts of Holland, France, and England, on its passage ; 
but Montagu remarks, that it occurs on the coast of 
Wales at all seasons, which it also does in the Hebrides. 
According to Temminck, it is seen, though not abundant, 
on the Mediterranean ; and Latham makes it extend to 
the Cape of Good Hope, and even to New Holland ; but 
whatever the Cape bird may be, the New Holland one is 
undoubtedly the L. hathyrinchus. 
Manners and Food.- — It is generally shy, unless when 
enticed by food, or in the breeding season. Like the other 
species, it is commonly seen along the shores, and, when 
reposing, takes care to choose a place where it cannot rea- 
dily be surprised, such as a rocky eminence, the middle of 
an extensive beach, or the bosom of the sea, at a little dis- 
tance behind the breakers. It flies strongly, and^ when 
soaring, utters a sort of loud, somewhat hoarse cackle, not 
unlike the sounds of a short laugh. Its common food is 
fish ; but scarcely any thing comes amiss to it, and it also 
devours young birds. In the outer Hebrides, where it is 
very abundant, and where its iiidiscriminating voracity is 
proverbial, it is often seen searching the hills and heaths 
for carrion, which it eats in company with the eagle and 
raven. According to Montagu, it is a great enemy to the 
fishermen, and will tear and devour the largest fish from 
the hooks, when left dry by the ebbing tide. 
Distinctive Characters, — It is distinguished from the 
preceding species by its superiority in size, by the different 
form of bill, the want of the black bar on the tail, &c. For 
