HERRING-GULL
shorn when chirk nud threatening clouds obscure the wintry sun- Hundreds of Gulls in the immature state
may be Ashing over the stormy waves without being regarded with more than a passing glance, though the
snowy breast and well-defined colours on the back and head of the old birds of this species arc suro
to attract attention. On many parts of the coast large flocks of Herring-Gulls in company with other
sea-fowl may ho seen gathered off harbour-mouths eagerly waiting the ebb-tide, when the refuse carried
out to sea affords occupation to the noisy and quarrelsome assemblage for several hours.
Having kept Herring-Gulls in confinement for many years, I conclude that they do not assume
the perfectly adult dress till the fifth or sixth year. Though statements to the effect that these
Culls have been seen breeding while still exhibiting the immature plumage appear in print, I have
entirely failed to note this fact. Great difference may at times bo observed in the size and weight
of individuals of this species, though they seldom vary in this respect so much as the Greater Blaekbacked
Gull. The clouded markings on the heads of adults in winter are usually but lightly diffused
over the feathers of the crown and back of the neck; a few individuals, however, whoso appearance
is exceedingly striking may occasionally be met with at this season. On the 21th of January, 1873, I
procured on Ilickling broad a specimen to which my attention was attracted by the dark colouring of the bead.
On examining the bird, the whole of the head proved to be thickly speckled and streaked with black and
grey, terminating in a perfect and well-defined ring round the neck, tiie remainder uf the plumage
being similar to that usually eshibited in winter. Iris pale yellow, with pale orange circle, Beak
and legs as in summer. Bo early as November 2nd, according to my notes, adults have been observed
showing the winter dress.
Many pages and numbers of coloured plates would be needed to give an accurate description of the
various immature stages of the nerring-Gull. The shade of the iris is gradually transformed from a dark
hazel in the nestling to a pale silvery yellow in the adult. The beak also, which is of a pale tlesh tint with
clouded point in the downy juvenile, changes by degrees till the bright yellow with blood-red blotch on tho
lower mandible is reached; this, when once assumed, does not alter with the seasons. An immature bird
(probably between two and three years old) shot near the Bass on the 22nd of August, 1871, may ha
described as follows I—Heed, back of neck, and throat lightly speckled with grey, darker over the car-coverts.
Back clear blue. The wings partially speckled, a small space of clear blue showing in the centre, the markings
on the shoulders being darkest; primaries black, though one or two feathers exhibited a slight edging of
wdiite. Tail clouded with grey, the side feathers darkest. Iris pale drab. Beak pale livid flesh at base, dusky
horn towards point, with slight indication of orange on upper mandible. Legs and feet pale livid tlesh tint.
In the earlier stages the beak is of a livid blue flesh tint at the base, and dark horn towards the point, which,
again, is lighter.
The knowledge concerning the changes of plumage undergone by several species of Gulls appears to
have been exceedingly limited, even so late as the days of Bewick. We learn from the writings of the
celebrated wood-engraver that considerable doubt existed as to whether tho Black-backed Gull, the
Herring-Gull, tho Wagel, and even the Glaucous Gull were not merely different stages of one and the
same species.
Though I failed to ascertain, from observations made on this species in a wild slate, that they are given to
destroy ing the young of other birds or those less powerful than themselves, this habit is certainly acquired in
confinement. Three Gulls that I kept for many years made a meal off a couple of young Blackbirds that
escaped from a cage in which they were being reared. A Water-Rail, with which they had lived in amity
for some time, was eventually devoured ; and I discovered them in the very act of murdering an unfortunate
Norfolk Plover which had been their companion for live or six weeks. When I happened to look over into
HERRING-GULL. r,
their enclosure, two of them were holding down the wretched bird, while a third was hammering nt its
skull with repealed strokes from its powerful bill ; the whole party immediately retreated on my appearance,
but the deed was done. It could not have been hunger that caused them to commit these barWilies, as,
in addition to the fish with which they were regularly furnished, they had at all times either a pan of
soaked bread or a supply of corn, on which I have frequently observed Iheiu to feed when in a wild state.
This bread and corn was a great attraction to the Sparrows, which wen! not uufrequcntly snapped up and
immediately sualluwed ; a mouse or a young rat that was let loose hi their enclusurc was also speedily captured
and gulped down.
A short account of the singular behaviour of these Gulls may not he out of place, as many oxtraordinary
nnties, never noticed in a wild state, were occasionally indulged in. After keeping the birds for some years in
an enclosure laid down with turf, I was at length forced to banish them to other quarters, as they persisted in
tearing up the grass by the roots. To one of their number, whose vocal powers were most astounding, the name
of Sims Reeves had been given, while two younger birds were known as Moody and Sankcy *. After several
years bad been spent in confinement, I remarked that Sims Beeves assorted his authority over the other two in
the most overbearing manner, driving them round and round ihe pond, the Iwo poor wretches meekly trolling
in front of him, while he every now and then gave vent to the most melancholy and piercing screams.
Ascertaining nt length that they would not live peaceably together, Sims Beeves was allowed to go with his
wing undipped, and in due course took his departure. No sooner bad he goue than Moody at once became
"boss," and the last stale of poor Sankcy was no belter than the first. At limes they were quiet and contented
enough ; resting side by side on the grass, they appeared the best of friends. Without Ihe slightest warning,
however, Moody would arise, and when he had cleared his throat by a preliminary " caterwaul," the submissive
Sankcy, having learned by experience that it would not do to lie caught, would be up and off. Then, with his
head drawn hack between his shoulders and his feathers slightly puffed out, Moody would follow in his wake.
For an hour or so this mournful procession round nud round the pond would continue. At last Moody would
stop, Sankcy also pulling up at the distance of a yard or Iwo, Moody leading; they would then commence a duet
a la tom-cat, when suddenly dropping on their breasts on the ground, they would turn inpidly round sevcnil
times, and at last attack the grass in the most excited manner, tearing it up by the roots and •pattering the
fragments in every direction. This proceeding was accompanied by the most melancholy cries and screams; and
when it is stated that the voice of Grimalkin in his happiest or, rather, bis uuhappiest mood is almost sweet and
pleasing to the ear, compared with the discordant nailing of these infatuated birds, one may judge ol'lhe nature
of their performance. Whether thrse antics were intended for courtship or defiance I was utterly at a loss to
comprehend.
tmlmrnt tr. any pari i" J]..T ltde I.I-.L.: il -uiip my abecu?* nvm buuic.