Larus tridactylus, LINNÆUS; Larus rissa, cinereus et nævius,
LINNÆUS; La Monette cendrée, BUFFON; Der Wintermeeve,
BECHSTEIN.
These birds, about fourteen inches in length, change their plumage till
they are four years old, which occasions great variety. In the old ones,
the beak is yellowish green on the outside, and orange within; the feet
are olive, and are without the back toe; the head, throat, neck, the
rest of the upper part of the body, and the tail, are white. There is
often a blackish streak behind the ear; the back and wing-coverts are
pale grey or bluish; the quill-feathers are white; the primaries are
tipped with black; those that have a dark grey crescent on the neck have
not attained their fourth year; those streaked are young ones.
OBSERVATIONS.--The tarrocks remain in the north of Europe during
summer, and go south in winter. In February, when snow comes after
mild weather, great numbers are seen to stop on the ponds and rivers
in Germany, where many perish; they may then be taken with nets and
snares placed on the banks, after removing the snow. Though their
proper food is fish and aquatic insects, they are contented, in the
poultry-yard, with bread and other food; are easily tamed, and live
equally well on the water or the land; in winter, they should be kept
in a moderately warm situation; they may even be left in the court,
driving them in the evening into the place appropriated to them for
the night.
[Illustration]