4 
nERRING-GULL. 
The full-plumaged adult of Larns argentatus is an extremely showy bird if viewed sweeping along the 
shore when dark and threatening clouds obscure the wintry sun. Hundreds of Gulls in the immature state 
may be fishing over the stormy waves without being regarded with more than a passing glance, though the 
snowy breast and well-defined colours on the back and head of the old birds of this species are sure 
to attract attention. On many parts of the coast large flocks of Herring-Gulls in company with other 
sea-fowl may be seen gathered off harbour-mouths eagerly waiting the ebb-tide, when the refuse carried 
out to sea affords occupation to the noisy and quarrelsome assemblage for several hours. 
Having kept Herring-Gulls in confinement for many years, I conclude that they do not assume 
the perfectly adult dress till the fifth or sixth year. Though statements to the effect that these 
Gulls have been seen breeding while still exhibiting the immature plumage appear in print, I have 
entirely failed to note this fact. Great difference may at times be observed in the size and weight 
of individuals of this species, though they seldom vary in this respect so much as the Greater Black- 
rk. Uj^ s on the heads of adults in winter are usually but lightly diffused 
o\er the feathers of the crown and back of the neckj a few individuals, however, whose appearance 
is exceedingly striking may occasionally be met with at this season. On the 24th of January, 1873, I 
procured on Hickling Broad a specimen to which my attention was attracted by the dark colouring of the head. 
On examining the bird, the whole of the head proved to be thickly speckled and streaked with black and 
terminating in a perfect and well-defined ring round the neck, the remainder of the plumage 
being similar to that usually exhibited in winter. Iris pale yellow, with pale orange circle. Beak 
and legs as in summer. So early as November 2nd, according to my notes, adults have been observed 
showing the winter dress. 
Many pages and numbers of coloured plates would be needed to give an accurate description of the 
vaiious immature stages of the Herring-Gull. The shade of the iris is gradually transformed from a dark 
hazel in the nestling to a pale silvery yellow in the adult. The beak also, which is of a pale flesh tint with 
clouded point in the downy juvenile, changes by degrees till the bright yellow witli blood-red blotch on the 
lower mandible is reached; this, when once assumed, does not alter with the seasons. An immature bird 
(probably between two and three years old) shot near the Bass on the 22nd of August, 1874, may be 
described as follows : Head, back of neck, and throat lightly speckled wdth grey, darker over the ear-coverts. 
Back clear blue. The wdngs partially speckled, a small space of clear blue shorving in the centre, the markings 
on the shoulders being darkest ; primaries black, tliough one or tw^o feathers exhibited a slight eddno- of 
white. Tail clouded with grey, the side feathers darkest. Iris pale drab. Beak pale livid flesh at base, dusky 
horn towards point, with slight indication of orange on upper mandible. Legs and feet pale livid flesh tint. 
In the earlier stages the beak is of a livid blue flesh tint at the base, and dark horn tow^ards the point, wdiich, 
again, is lighter. 
The knowdedge concerning the changes of plumage undergone by several species of Gulls appears to 
have been exceedingly limited, even so late as the days of Bewick. We learn from the wndtings of the 
celebrated wood-engraver that considerable doubt existed as to wdiether the Black-backed Gull, the 
Herring-Gull, the M agel, and even the Glaucous Gull were not merely different stages of one and the 
same species. 
Though I failed to ascertain, from observations made on this species in a wild state, that they are given to 
destroying the young of other birds or those less powerful than themselves, this habit is certainly acquired in 
confinement. Three Gulls that I kept for many years made a meal off a couple of young Blackbirds that 
escaped from a cage in which they were being reared. A Water-Rail, wdth which they had lived in amity 
for some time, was eventually devoured ; and I discovered them in the very act of murdering an unfortunate 
Jsorfolk Plover which had been their companion for five or six weeks. When I happened to look over into 
