the rest of their family, but in other respects they present nothing
particularly noticeable. They walk badly, and therefore seldom come on dry
land, but they swim well, even in the roughest weather. Their flight is
light, easy, and much diversified, sometimes sweeping around in beautiful
gyrations, sometimes urged rapidly forward by long strokes of their wings.
Occasionally they will plunge from a considerable altitude into the water,
to catch a fish, or seize upon any food that happens to present itself.
They never seem to quarrel, and it is really wonderful to observe in what
harmony thousands, or we might say millions, of them live together.
For their breeding-places these Gulls invariably select rocks well
furnished with ledges, projections, or cavities, ranged one above another,
and it is on these shelves or within the hollows, that they place their
nests. From the foot of the rock to its very summit, each "coign of
vantage" is appropriated, each platform covered, and if not exactly
cooing like so many Doves, at least they make as musical shriekings and
screechings as a Sea Gull is capable of producing. During all this
love-making, great numbers are continually flying hither and thither
in search of materials with which to build, so that the whole hill is
surrounded with them, and when seen at a distance they present very much
the appearance of a swarm of bees. Previous to our visiting Lapland we had
read descriptions of these breeding-places, but from them had formed a
very imperfect conception of the reality. Never shall we forget the day on
which we made an excursion to Svärrholt, not very far from the North Cape.
The vast perpendicular front of the rock to which the Gulls resorted,
looked as we approached it like a gigantic slate covered all over with
millions of little white dots. On our firing a gun, all these millions
of shining points seemed to detach themselves from the dark background,
afterwards to become alive, next to become Sea Gulls, and then to pour
themselves in a continuous stream into the sea. Looking upwards it seemed
exactly as if a great snow-storm had begun to shower gigantic flakes from
the skies--for minutes together it snowed birds, the whole sea, as far as
we could discern, was thickly covered with them, and yet the surface of
the rock seemed as densely peopled with birds as at first. We had before
thought the narratives we had read were exaggerations, we now found them
to be far below the truth. In every nest these birds lay three or four
eggs of a dirty rusty yellow, sparsely besprinkled with dots and streaks
of a darker tint. It is only reasonable to suppose that each pair devote
themselves exclusively to the incubation of their own eggs and the rearing
of their own young. But how a pair, among all those hundreds of thousands
of nests can ever find their own abode, or even each other, when they have
once left their place even for a minute is beyond our comprehension. The
young birds remain in the nest till the middle of August, at which time
they are sufficiently fledged to enable them to fly out to sea and add
their voice to the deafening screeching of their fellows.
* * * * *
The BLACK-HEADED GULLS (_Chroicocephalus_) constitute a group whose
most conspicuous character is that, when in their nuptial dress, their
head is covered, as it were, with a black cap. We can hardly, from this
circumstance, regard them as a distinct sub-family; nevertheless, they
present certain peculiarities not common to the race. All these birds
inhabit temperate climates, and seldom or never appear in the northern
regions visited by so many other species. The food of the Black-headed
Gulls consists principally of insects and small fishes; however, they by
no means despise small quadrupeds or carrion. Insects they generally catch
in the water and pick from the surface of the ground, but occasionally
they take them while on the wing. The young are fed almost exclusively on
insects.
THE LAUGHING GULL.
The LAUGHING GULL (_Chroicocephalus ridibundus_). The adult in summer
has the head, occiput, and upper part of the neck of a dark brown, the
colour being most intense when first assumed, and becoming lighter by
time and wear; the sides and back of the neck are pure white; the back,
wing-covers, secondaries, and tertials, uniform French grey; the first
three quill primaries white on the shafts and webs, but margined with
black; the fourth white on the outer web, grey on the inner web, and edged
with black; the fifth and sixth grey on both webs, the edge of the inner
or broader web and the point black; tail-covers and tail-feathers white;
front of the neck, breast, and all the under surface of the body and tail
pure white; legs and feet, like the beak, are vermilion-red; irides hazel;
eyelids orange.
The adult bird in winter has the head only slightly marked with a dusky
patch at the ear-covers. The young are brownish on the upper parts of the
body. This species is sixteen inches long, and thirty-six inches broad;
the wing measures twelve and tail five inches.
With regard to the change in colour of the head according to the season of
the year, Mr. Yarrell observes: "A Gull in the collection at the Gardens
of the Zoological Society began to change colour on the head, from white
to dark brown, on the 11th of March; it was a change of colour, and not an
act of moulting; no feather was shed, and the change was completed in five
days."
The Laughing Gull is plentiful from 30° to 60° north latitude, and within
this zone it rears its young. It is met with pretty nearly in equal
numbers upon suitable inland waters in Europe, Asia, and America. In the
South of Europe it is seen throughout the year; in Central Europe and
Great Britain it is only a visitor, leaving us in October and November to
take up its quarters upon the shores of the Mediterranean. It is, however,
said to be a constant resident in Ireland.
[Illustration: THE LAUGHING GULL (_Chroicocephalus ridibundus_).]
When the snow begins to melt, these Gulls return, and in fine seasons
arrive at their more northern terminus towards the end of March, or at the
beginning of April. Before commencing their journey, the old birds have
already selected their mates; they accompany their partners at once to the
breeding-places, but the younger ones seem to defer their courtship till
they arrive at their destination. They only live in the sea during the
winter, and it is seldom that they breed even on islands near the coast.
Fresh waters, surrounded by fields, are their favourite places of resort
in the summer season, and here they find everything that they require.
These birds are abundant at the mouth of the Thames, where they lay their
eggs on the low flat islands and marshes of Essex. In Norfolk an extensive
piece of water, called Scoulton Mere, has from time immemorial been one of
their favourite breeding-places. The eggs, which are most abundant there
about May, are assiduously collected, and are sometimes so plentiful that
we are told a man and three boys have obtained 1,600 in a single day.
When swimming, these Gulls may be regarded as ornamental birds, more
especially when they are in their full plumage. Their movements are
extremely elegant and graceful, they walk quickly, and are not readily
tired, and for hours together may be seen following the ploughman,
or roaming about fields and meadows in search of insects. They swim
beautifully, but not very rapidly. They rise readily into the air, either
from the surface of the ground or from the water, and apparently without
effort perform a variety of pleasing evolutions during their flight. In
some of the Swiss cantons, and in all parts of Southern Europe lying near
the sea, they are treated by the inhabitants as if half domesticated.
They may be seen everywhere, running about with the greatest confidence,
as if they knew very well that no one would attempt to do them an injury.
Their voice is harsh and disagreeable, earning for them doubtless the
name of Sea Crows, whereby they are generally designated. Towards the end
of April the breeding season commences, and after much quarrelling the
place selected where each pair is to build its nest. These birds never
breed separately, seldom in small parties, but most generally in large
flocks, of hundreds or rather thousands of birds, which generally crowd
themselves together into a very limited space. Their nests are usually
placed upon insulated patches of ground surrounded by water, or situated
in the centre of a marsh, and overgrown with sedges, reeds, and rushes;
under some circumstances they will build in the marsh itself, sheltering
their nests among tufts of grass, but always in some unfrequented
situation, to which access is nearly impracticable. The foundation of
the nest is laid by flattening down the herbage and lining the cavity so
formed with leaves, straw, and similar materials. The eggs, which are
deposited about the beginning of May, to the number of four or five in
each nest, are tolerably large, of a pale olive-green colour, speckled,
spotted, and streaked with ashy-grey and dark brownish grey, but the eggs
vary considerably both in size, colour, and markings. The two sexes brood
alternately, one or other of them remaining constantly upon the nest
during the night, but in the daytime they seem to think the heat of the
sun an efficient substitute for their presence. After the lapse of about
eighteen days the young make their appearance, and in about three or four
weeks afterwards are completely fledged. In situations where the nests
are surrounded by water the young ones do not leave them during the first
few days, but if they are situated upon dry ground the little nestlings
scramble out and run about very actively. When a fortnight old they are
able to flutter from place to place, and at the end of the third week are
almost able to take care of themselves. The courage with which the parents
defend their young is most exemplary. No sooner does an enemy in the shape
of a Hawk, a Crow, or a Heron make its appearance, than a tremendous
outcry is raised by the whole colony, even the brooding birds leave their
nests, and all rush forward to oppose the invader. A dog or fox they
attack with equal fury. Should a man intrude upon them they fly around him
in circles, screaming with all their might, and if, deafened by the noise,
he retires, he is followed to some distance, with every indication of joy
at his departure.
In the north of Germany it is common on a certain day to have a general
_battue_, and slaughter the poor Gulls by wholesale. This useless
destruction, which, under the name of "the Gull-shooting," serves as
an excuse for a general holiday, savours much of the barbarism of the
Dark Ages; as, far from being pernicious, these beautiful birds render
important services to the farmers by clearing the land of a vast quantity
of hurtful insects.
THE GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL.
The GREAT BLACK-HEADED GULL (_Chroicocephalus ichthyaëtus_) in its summer
plumage has the entire head and upper neck black, the feathered orbits
white, back and wing blue-grey, upper tail-covers and tail pure white,
with a black band, primaries with a black band, increasing in width to the
outermost one, which has the whole of the web black, the rest of the first
five primaries white, the others grey, tipped with white; the other parts
of the plumage are pure white; bill red, yellow at tip; irides brown; feet
dull red; length about twenty-six inches; wing nineteen to twenty inches;
tail seven inches; bill at front two inches and a quarter; tarsus three
inches; the closed wing extends about one inch and a half beyond the tail.
This bird inhabits Northern and Central Asia, and is rare in India. Jerdon
observed it on the sea-coast at Madras, and occasionally ascending the
Hooghly and other large rivers. It frequents the borders of the Caspian
Sea. The eggs, which are oblong, and marked with deep brown and paler
spots, are laid on the bare sand, near large rivers. When flying, the
hoarse voice of this bird resembles that of the Rover.
THE LESSER BLACK-HEADED GULL.
The LESSER BLACK-HEADED GULL (_Chroicocephalus melanocephalus_) is
about fifteen inches and a quarter in length. In this species the whole
head, except a small patch of white above and beneath the eye, is of an
extremely deep black; the back of neck, chest, tail, and all the under
parts are pure white; the whole of the upper part, delicate pearl-grey;
primaries, white at their tips, the outer web of the first primary black
for three parts of its length; beak, legs, and eyelids vermilion, irides
brown. This bird inhabits Southern Europe, particularly the shores of the
Adriatic. It abounds in Dalmatia, breeding in the marshes.
THE LITTLE GULL.
The LITTLE GULL (_Chroicocephalus minuta_). In winter the entire upper
surface of the adult's plumage is of a blueish ash; quills and secondaries
tipped with white; throat and under surface pure white, with a slight
tinge of rose-colour; bill brownish red; tarsi bright red; irides brown.
In summer the whole of the head and upper part become of a brownish black.
It is found, though not in great abundance, in the western part of Europe.
This species inhabits the eastern parts of Russia, Livonia, and Hungary,
and the shores of the Black and Caspian Seas.
It is rare in Great Britain, and was first described as a British bird by
Montagu, in his "Ornithological Dictionary." According to Temminck, it
feeds on worms and insects. Little, however, is known of its habits.
* * * * *
The SKUAS (_Lestres_), although resembling the Gulls in shape and plumage,
differ from them in so many particulars that they must be regarded as
forming a separate family. The principal points of difference between
these birds and the true Sea Gulls are found in the structure of the beak
and feet, as also in the peculiarity of their colours, and in their mode
of life.
In the Skuas the body is strongly built, the neck short, the head small,
the beak moderately short but strong, thick, and towards the apex
compressed. The upper mandible is vaulted above, strongly hooked, and
provided at its base with a cere. The tarsus is moderately high, the
toes short, but with a very complete web, and furnished with crooked,
sharp-pointed, and sharp-edged claws. The wings are long, narrow, and
pointed, the first quill being the longest. The tail consists of twelve
feathers, of moderate length, and has the central tail-feathers prolonged.
The plumage is rich and thick, upon the under surface fur-like; its
prevailing colour is a dusky brown.
The Skuas, or Parasite Gulls, are most abundant in the Arctic Regions.
They live principally in the open sea, but at their breeding-time seek
the neighbourhood of coasts and islands. Occasionally they wing their way
into more southern latitudes, and sometimes are to be seen far inland. In
strength of wing they are superior to the Gulls, and they swim well, but
prefer flying to swimming. In a certain sense, they might be said to hold
a middle position between Sea Gulls and birds of prey. They attack all
animals that they are able to subdue, and persecute their weaker brethren
until they oblige them to yield up whatsoever prey they may have caught.
Indeed, it was recently generally believed that they were unable to catch
prey for themselves, but were obliged to live the life of freebooters,
and depend upon thieving for their support; modern observations have,
however, shown that this is not altogether correct. It is, however, quite
true that their power of diving is not such as to enable them to catch
fishes at any great depth; they can only procure such as may be swimming
close to the surface. They are, however, by no means confined to a fish
diet; they devour birds and their eggs, kill small quadrupeds, and prey
upon shell-fish of every kind. They will even attack young lambs, hack out
their eyes and brains, and, in short, prey upon everything that offers
itself, whether living or dead. Generally, however, they live by the
labour of other diving birds. They watch the Gulls, Terns, Guillemots, and
other predatory species, and whenever they perceive that they have caught
a fish, hasten after them with all speed, and so torment and worry them as
to compel them to disgorge their already swallowed prey, and let it drop
from their mouths. No sooner do their pursuers see it fall than, swooping
after it with the speed of a Falcon, they catch it before it reaches the
water, and appropriate it to their own use. Such barefaced robbery as
this naturally causes the Skuas to be detested by all seafaring birds;
nevertheless, they seem to care very little for the general hatred, and
recklessly pursue their system of plunder whenever opportunity offers.
No sea-bird will brood in their vicinity, or remain upon any inland lake
of which they have possession. Every individual who has once made their
acquaintance endeavours, as the sailors say, to give them a wide berth.
The more valorous species often attack them furiously; the timid flee at
their approach, or if they are in a position which enables them to do
so, dive out of their sight. When their breeding-time arrives, the Skuas
assemble in small parties, and build their nests in company with each
other. The places selected for this purpose are generally large islands,
some species preferring the level of the shore, others the summits of
the highest rocks. In these localities they scratch or construct for
themselves a round excavation in the sand, and, if practicable, concealed
among plants, and in the ample nest lay two or three eggs, upon which the
male and female sit alternately. The young are fed at first with food
partially digested in the stomachs of their parents, subsequently upon
coarser diet. They remain in the nest for several days, and when they
leave it run about on the beach like young birds, hiding themselves, in
case of danger, between the stones, or among the inequalities of the
ground. After they have become capable of flight, they continue for
some time in the neighbourhood of the coast, profit by their parents'
instructions, and in their company they at last fly away to the open sea.
In the second summer of their lives they begin to breed. The eggs of the
Skuas are eaten by the inhabitants of northern countries, but the birds
themselves are considered worthless; nevertheless, they are killed in
great numbers. The chase after them is easy enough, inasmuch as they will
greedily swallow any kind of bait, and fear man no more than they do the
birds that they plunder.
THE COMMON SKUA.
The COMMON SKUA (_Lestris catarractes_), the most conspicuous member of
the above family, is twenty-two inches long, fifty-two inches broad; the
length of its wing sixteen inches and a half, of the tail, six inches and
a half. The colour of its plumage is greyish brown, the somewhat lighter
under surface is striped longitudinally with pale or red grey; a space at
the base of the dark-coloured wing is white; the eye is red-brown; the
beak leaden grey at the root, and black at the apex; the foot blackish
grey. The young birds resemble the adults.
Although the proper climate of the Skua is between 60° and 70° north
latitude, it has also been met with in the temperate zone of the southern
hemisphere. In Europe its head-quarters are in the vicinity of the Faroe
and Shetland Islands; also on the coasts of Iceland, and the Orkneys and
Hebrides, ranging from thence, in the winter season, to the northern
shores of France, England, and Germany. The greater number of them,
however, remain constantly in the north, seeking for their food wherever
the sea may happen to be free from ice.
[Illustration: THE COMMON SKUA (_Lestris catarractes_).]
The Skua is recognisable from the larger Gulls by the varied character,
facility, and rapidity of its movements. It runs quickly when upon dry
land, swims beautifully, floating with its breast deeply immersed, and
rises easily into the air, whether from the sea or from level ground.
The flight of this bird resembles that of the larger Sea Gulls, but
is not so equable. Sometimes the celerity of its movements will bear
comparison with those of the Hawks and Eagles. Sometimes it skims over
the surface of the sea without the slightest perceptible motion of its
wings, or rushes from a great height obliquely downwards towards the
surface of the sea, tearing through the air with surprising rapidity. In
daring, thieving, and unsociableness it not only far exceeds the Gulls,
but surpasses every other sea-bird. Of all the tyrants of the sea it
is the most universally dreaded; it has no participation or friendship
with any other species; and although only the strongest of its enemies
ever venture to attack so redoubtable a foe, it is held in universal
abhorrence. The opinion entertained by other birds as to its cunning and
ferocity is best exemplified by the fact that even such as are far larger
and stronger than their oppressors submit to be robbed and bullied in the
manner we have described, without making the slightest resistance. The
appetite of the Skuas is exactly proportioned to their restlessness and
activity. So long as they are on the wing they are constantly employed
in satisfying the cravings of their ravenous maw. Should no other bird
appear in sight upon which to exercise their avocation as highwaymen, they
are under the necessity of fishing for themselves, and if not successful
in their endeavours to obtain a meal, have recourse to the shore, upon
which they diligently search for anything in the shape of food that may
have been left by the receding tide. Should this resource likewise fail
them, they fly off into the fields and inland marshes, where they pick up
worms, insects, and small mollusca; or should they meet with a sea-bird
similarly occupied, they at once give chase, exhibiting as much strength
and skilfulness in the use of their wings as they do courage and audacity
in planning their attack, never leaving their victim until they have made
him disgorge the contents of his stomach, and appropriated it to their
own use. Not unfrequently, indeed, they will kill and devour the bird
itself. Graba tells us that he saw one of them at a single blow shatter
the skull of a Coulterneb, and various witnesses testify that they eat Sea
Gulls and Guillemots, striking them dead with their beaks, and afterwards
tearing them to pieces. Wounded or disabled birds they remorselessly
devour. In the breeding-places they plunder the nests, breaking the eggs
and swallowing the young. "A general shriek," says Nordmann, "rises from
a thousand throats as soon as one of these marauders is seen winging his
way towards the rock, and yet none of the brooding birds will venture to
offer anything like a serious resistance to the invader. He seizes hold
of the young birds, wrenching them from the very beaks of their parents,
who only follow the robber to a little distance from the nest, without any
effectual result. So soon as the thief finds himself no longer pursued,
he flies down to the sea, kills and devours his prey, and then flies off
with it to his own nest, where he disgorges it for the benefit of his
young family. When making these raids, the Skua has never been observed to
use any other weapon than his beak, although it would seem probable, from
the sharpness of his powerful, strongly-hooked claws, that they likewise
may be resorted to as formidable instruments of attack. After a plentiful
meal, the Skua betakes himself to some rock, where he sits for a time with
puffed-out feathers, apparently enjoying a luxurious nap, and in that
position he remains till the calls of hunger again prompt him to active
exertion."