96 
Allen’s naturalist's librarV. 
Eanare outside the British Islands. - During the breeding season 
the l omatorhine Skua is found in the arctic tundra of botli 
emisiiheres, and in winter the species wanders into the 
l^een obtained in Northern Australia, 
estern and Soutli-western Africa, and on the coast of Peru. 
• E. AV.^ Nelson, who met with the present species 
in Alaska, writes : “They are clumsy and cowardly birds as 
compared with their smaller relatives. When one of this 
species happen to cro.ss the path of the smaller species, the 
atter almost invariably gives chase, and beats its clumsv 
dStS by repeatedly darting down from ahoyl. 
^ embarrasses the large bird so much that it dinches 
and dives, and often alights and watches an opportunitv to 
escape fi om its nimble assailant. One that was driven to alight 
m the liver thrust its head under water at every swoop of' its 
enemy and exhibited the most ludicrous terror. ^Vhen on the 
wing they usually ward off an attack from one side by a half- 
closed wing, and if from above, both wings are raised formino- 
an arched shield above the back, d’his Large bird has a low 
harsh, chattering cry when feeding with its companions. The 
peculiar twist of the long tail feathers of this species renders it 
conspicuous and identifiable at almost any distance.” 
Mr. H J. Pearson noticed the Pomalorhine Skua off Novaya 
Zemlya, but did not succeed in finding a ne.st. He thinks 
-”^ 1 °^ ^'/ein clo not breed in bad seasons, and adds : 
If this idea should prove to be a fact, it may be a provision 
of natuie to prevent the Skuas from becoming too numerous 
1 hey are well able to defend their eggs and young from the 
birds of prey found in the same countries and equally capaWe 
of taking care of themselves, so that the only foes they need 
fear are old age and deficiency of food.” ^ 
Nest. — A mere depression in the moss. 
Eggs.— Two in number. Similar to those of the Great Skua 
but much smaller, and not so dark in colour, as a rule I'he 
ground-colour is a very deep olive or clay-brown, the spots 
being rec Qisli brown or more often blackish brown, and 
having a tendency to become confluent round the larger end 
Sometimes the overlying markings are very faint and the prey 
