58. Laughing Gull. Lams atricilla. 
LONG-WINGED SWIMMERS 
Range. — Eastern North America, breeding 
from the Gulf to Nova Scotia, chiefly on the 
coast. A beautiful Gull, 16 inches long, with 
a dark slate colored head, gray mantle, black 
Pale grayish brown 
Laughing Gull 
primaries, and white neck, underparts and tail. Bill and feet red. This bird 
has its name from its peculiar laughing cry when alarmed or angry; it is 
also called the Black-headed Gull. They nest by thousands on the islands off 
the Gulf Coast and along the South . 
Atlantic States. The nest is placed 
on the ground and is made of sea- 
weed. Three, four and sometimes 
five eggs are laid, of a grayish to 
greenish brown color, marked with 
brown and lilac. Size 2.25 x 1.60. 
Data. — Timbalin Is., La., June 3, 
1896. Three eggs. Nest of drift 
grass thrown in a pile about 8 
inches high, slightly hollowed on 
top, in low marsh back of beach. 
Collector, E. A. Mcllhenny. 
jfc 
*»■ 
t m 
RING-BILLED GULL — Gray 
47 
