HERRING GULL. 247 
borders of lakes and rivers, though these visitors are chiefly 
the young. 
Mr. Audubon found these birds breeding abundantly on 
Grand Menan Island, in the Bay of Fundy, on low fir-trees as 
well as on the ground, the nest being large and loose, com- 
posed of sea-weeds, roots, sticks, and feathers. They are very 
resentful and clamorous when approached, screaming or bark- 
ing with a sound like akak kakak. This Gull also inhabits other 
islands, and he found it again in Labrador. It is ravenous, and 
tyrannical to other small birds. The young and the eggs are 
considered as palatable food, though the principal food of the 
bird is fish or floating matter. 
This is the Common Gull of our harbors and inland lakes, oc- 
curring in abundance throughout this continent, and breeding from 
latitude 45° northward. Turner found it abundant on Hudson 
Straits, but Hagerup saw very few examples in Southern Greenland. 
In winter these birds are seen in numbers on the Great Lakes and 
the larger rivers and lakes of the interior, as well as along the sea- 
coast from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Cuba. 
Although Herring Gulls appear at times both shy and fierce, they 
are easily domesticated if taken young, and make pleasant pets. 
They thrive on a mixed diet, and feast on cold porridge or dead rat 
with equal relish. 
Their formula for disposing of a rat is unique. First break the 
rat’s bones by crunching them with the bill ; then dip the carcase 
in water, and when thoroughly soaked, swallow it whole, — head 
first. 
Note. — The European form of the Herring Gull (Z. argen- 
iaius) is said to occur occasionally on this side of the Atlantic. 
