LONG-TAILEU SKUA. 
LESTRIS LONGICAUDATA. 
Ip this species formerly nested in the more remote districts of the Northern Highlands, it is probable that all 
the breeding-haunts are now deserted ; I have visited a few of the localities which these birds are said to 
have frequented in days gone by without meeting with a single specimen. The Long-tailed Skuas that pass along 
our coasts during summer or autumn while on the passage to or from their nesting-quarters in the far 
north are seldom, if ever, seen in such numbers as the Arctic or Pomatorhine; on no occasion have parties 
consisting of more than two or three flying in company come under my observation. It is probable, after 
the manner of the Arctic Skua, that these robbers levy a tax on the smaller Gulls when needing food, 
though I am only enabled to speak with certainty as to their attacks on Terns, but few opportunities of 
studying their habits having fallen to my lot. 
Early in June 1865, while brought up fishing to the north of the Bass, I watched for over an hour a pair 
of these birds exhibiting the most perfect plumage ; after flying round in the vicinity of the rock for a time, 
they settled down near a broken spar floating past on the tide, one at length rising up and alighting on the 
timber. Though resting quietly and apparently unconcerned, these handsome strangers were evidently on 
the alert, and exceedingly wary when approached ; having attached a buoy to the cable, an attempt was 
made to pull within range ; both birds, however, instantly rose on wing and proceeded up the firth towards 
Craig Leith, returning shortly and pitching down near the same spot. On the first signs of danger, the 
actions of the Skua perched on the wreckage were most singular, and I much regretted that there was not 
an artist at hand to take its portrait from life ; starting up at once from repose, it indulged in a comfortable 
stretch, a position eminently suited to show off its striking plumage and elegant form to the fullest advantage. 
Taking a couple of steps, the bird bent its neck downwards, the head being at the same time stretched 
forward, the wings were next raised and opened and the feathers of the tail elevated, the whole performance 
being carried out in a slow and deliberate manner; then turning and uttering a harsh cry, it followed rapidly 
in pursuit of its mate already on wing. Judging from the behaviour of this pair, there could be but little 
doubt that they were male and female on the way to their breeding-grounds in the far north, their actions 
on the water being similar to those of many sea-fowl watched at this season— an immense amount of 
swimming round, bowing, and chattering being indulged in. A second attempt to obtain a shot proved 
also a failure ; and again bringing up at our old quarters, I waited on the chance that the birds, who 
continued on wing for the rest of the time they remained in view, might work within range of their own 
accord. Kittiwakes in thousands hovered over the tideway in the bright sunshine, occasionally making 
their way to and from the ledges in the face of the cliffs, while clouds of Gannets and straggling parties of 
Guillemots were circling round or heading straight out for the open sea in quest of prey. Through all these 
busy swarms the pair of Skuas held a steady course, turning neither to the right nor to the left ; at times they 
appeared to wake up— dashing down with a rapid swoop towards the water they skimmed slowly over the 
