XXVI. 
THE LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. 
The young Gull (whether Herring or Black-backed) represented in the preceding- 
plates, in the course of a few weeks, changes his downy coat for the mottled 
brown plumage represented to the left of this plate. This plumage is retained 
for at least one year, and the young birds of the two species, as well as of the 
Great Black-backed Gull, the plumage of which passes through corresponding 
changes, are often mistaken for distinct species from their parents. The Wagel 
or Burgomaster of Bewick, for instance, is the young of one of these three 
species : just as the Tarrock is the young Kittiwake. The figure to the right is 
from an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull. 
