246 
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF 
Eiders, though the two birds mix to some extent. The nests were large and 
bulky, composed of dried grass, moss and lichens scraped into a heap, the 
cavity formed apparently by the weight of the bird. The eggs, in every in- 
stance that came under my observation, were three, but varied surprisingly in 
size, color and markings, and also considerably in shape. They average rather 
more than two inches and three-quarters in length, by nearly two in greatest 
diameter, being thus rounded and obtuse. The ground color varies from a 
light bluish or greenish white to deep brownish olive; and the spots are of 
every size and shape, very irregularly disposed. I found eggs at that date in 
every stage of development, some being quite fresh, but in the majority the 
embryos were nearly fully formed. On the same day many young were pro- 
cured, being caught as they skulked and hid beneath stones, or scrambled off 
over the luxuriant moss. In no instance did I observe any on the nests. At 
this period they presented a very curious appearance ; they were ugly and mis- 
shapen, covered with thick whitish down, every where mottled with angular 
spots of dusky, and, on the whole, looked more like lumps of dirty carded wool 
than any thing else. When taken in hand they bit and scratched with all their 
strength, at the same time squealing loudly. Although these cries brought the 
parents a little nearer, none ventured within shot. On being placed on the 
water they swam with ease, and appeared to be perfectly at home. Soon after 
being caught they fed freely on fish and scraps of pork, and uttered constantly 
a whining uoise. The first night, however, they were all trampled to dearh by 
some Black-backed Gulls placed in the same basket. 
At Henley Harbor, during the latter part of August, many birds of the year were 
seen. They were at this time readily distinguishable from the adults, for besides 
being smaller, they were entirely of a deep dusky color, darkest below, and with 
the bills nearly black. One of’these, slightly wing-tipped, showed considera- 
ble spirit, biting the finger placed incautiously within its reach, and ejecting 
the contents of its stomach — principally lance — with remarkably accurate and 
vindictive aim. The lance seems to be the favorite and principal food with 
this and other Gulls, and many were always to be seen fishing for them at the 
mouth of the harbor. To procure them they hover at a height of a few yards 
over the surface and drop suddenly down when a fish is discovered; never, I 
believe, diving, though they are often partially immersed. They rise again 
immediately, and the operation is repeated indefinitely, their hunger never 
seeming to be appeased. I have seen more than a hundred of these Gulls and 
the great Black-backed and the Ring-billed fishing together, but never noticed 
the slightest sign of any quarrelling or difficulty between them. 
The Herring Gull requires three years to arrive at full maturity. During the 
greater part of the first year they are much as described above. The dusky 
gradually grows lighter, and by the second year the bird is white, mottled with 
dusky about the head and neck ; the tail mostly black, the primaries black, as 
yet without spots, and the “gull-blue” replacing the grey mottling of the 
wings and back in irregular patches ; the bill light flesh color, with a broad 
black band near the end. By the next winter the bird is perfect, except some 
slight mottling about the head and neck, and the following spring is in full 
plumage. I am enabled to give the above descriptions from specimens sent me 
from near Hampton, N. H., by Mr. Charles Perkins, shot about the first of De- 
cember. They must moult very late, as some of these specimens had the quills 
only partially grown out. I am unable to say whether any breed in the imma- 
ture plumage. 
The abundance of this gull every where during its extensive migrations, 
cause its voice, flight and general manners to be so well known, that a detailed 
account of them is rendered unnecessary. 
Larus Delawarensis Ord. — Ring-billed Gull. 
Larus zonorhynchus , Aud., Birds Amer, vii. 152 ; pi. 446. 
Larus Delawarensis , Lawrence, Gen. Rep. 846. 
Three specimens of this small Gull were obtained at Henley Harbor on the 
