184 
ICELAND GULL. 
displays little of the activity or clamorous curiosity of many 
of its tribe ; nor is it equally acute in detecting danger, 
though more uniformly reserved, and sufficiently cautious 
when its fears have been once excited. 
The plumage is swan-like, very full ; the down on the 
body considerable, — altogether rendering it almost impene- 
trable to any shot, but that of a large description. Of my 
previous knowledge of this circumstance, and of its charac- 
teristic partiality for carrion, I have successfully availed 
myself, to procure specimens, which otherwise would have 
been inaccessible to the fowling-piece. 
It is generally observed to keep separate from other birds; 
and this fact is of itself a strong presumption of its distinc- 
tion of species. 
Its muscular vigour is peculiarly great, proportionally 
superior to that of the other gulls; and the power and 
execution of the bill are so formidable, as to compel one to 
be very circumspect in approaching it when wounded. 
As in other species of this family of birds, individuals 
differ from each other in point of size ; and, as far as I 
have observed, the male is larger than the female, — a re- 
mark which may perhaps be extended to other species of 
its tribe. From this difference chiefly, I was at one period 
disposed to believe that there occurred two species of Ice- 
land Gull, having a relation to each other, analogous to that 
which exists between the Greater and Lesser Black-backed 
Gulls, and the Larus fuscus and canus ; but subsequent 
observation is not so favourable to this opinion. 
It is more perfectly an oceanic bird than perhaps any of 
the larger species of the genus ; and from its habits might 
be regarded as forming, in some measure, a link between 
the more prominently defined Gulls and Petrels. 
I have always observed tliis species to be uncommonly 
fat when it first arrives in Zetland, in autumn. Indeed^, I 
