GULLS 
221 
This is the common summer gull of the west coast. It throngs the 
harbours and waterways, from whence, during the salmon run, a few 
wander up rivers. Not otherwise known far inland and not recorded 
from the prairies. Much that has been said of the Herring Gull applies 
to this species. 
45. Kumlein’s Gull, le goeland de kumlien. Larus kumleini. L, 24. A grey 
mantled gull like the Herring, but with a very restricted grey pattern on the primary tips 
(Figure 320), like the Glaucous-winged 
Gull but the wing pattern much reduced. 
Distinctions. The adult with its char- 
acteristic restricted grey pattern on the 
wing tips is easily identified. There is, 
however, much variation in this pattern. 
It may be unusually deep and extensive so 
as to almost suggest the thayeri form of the 
Herring Gull or even the Glaucous-winged. 
On the other hand it may be reduced to 
almost the vanishing point and resemble 
the wing of the Iceland Gull. The mantle 
is usually perceptibly lighter grey than 
any form of the Herring Gull and much darker than that of the Iceland. It is distinctly 
an east coast bird and supposed west coast examples that have hitherto been reported 
are open to doubt. The juvenile has never been definitely identified. 
Distribution. The eastern Arctics, breeding on southern Baffin Island and occurring 
on our Atlantic coasts in winter. 
In the last Check-list of North American Birds this species has been relegated to the 
hypothetical list as a probable hybrid between Thayer’s and the Iceland Gulls. Recent 
investigations, however, have demonstrated that it breeds in pure colonies and not in 
association with either of the above birds, therefore its status as a good species can hardly 
be doubted. 
46. Nelson’s Gull. le goeland de nelson. Larus nelsoni. L, 24 or over. 
Practically the same as Kumlein’s Gull but larger. 
Distribution. Little is known of this species. It has been identified from St. Michaels, 
Alaska, and Cornwallis Island in the high Arctics, and individuals have been accredited to 
lx)wer California and the Hawaiian and Vancouver Islands. It should be identified with 
very great caution. 
47. Great Black-backed Gull, saddle-back, coffin carrier, le goeland 
anglais (le Gotland a manteau noir). Larus marinits. L, 29. A very large gull, the 
adult with a distinctive black mantle. Restricted to the eastern side of the continent. 
Figure 320 
Kumlein’s Gull; scale, J. 
Figure 321 
Wing of Great Black-backed Gull; scale, f. 
Distinctions. Large size and black back are characteristic of the adult. Juveniles 
are brown instead of ashy or white as in the Glaucous Gull, more striped on back and less 
evenly coloured than the Herring Gull. 
Field Marks. Large size and black back are good field marks for the adult. Size 
is the only describable distinction for juveniles in life. 
76916—15 
