L O N G - T A I L E D SKUA.
LE8TSIS LONG1CAUDATA.
IF this species formerly nested in the more remote districts of the Northern Highlands, it is probable that all
the breeding-haunts arc now deserted; I hare visited a few of the localities which these birds are said to
have frequented in days gone by without meeting with a single specimen. The bong-tailed Skuas that pass along
otir coasts during summer or autumn while on the passage to or from their nesting-quarters in the far
north are seldom, if ever, seen in such numbers as the Arctic or Pomatorhioe; on no occasion have parties
consisting of more than two or three flying in company come under my observation. It is probable, after
the manner of the Arctic Skua, that these robbers levy a tax on the smaller Gulls when needing food,
though 1 am only enabled to speak with certainty as to their attacks on Terns, hut few opportunities of
studying their habits hai ing fallen to my lot.
Early in June lSflo, while brought up fishing to the north of the Bass, I watched fur over an hour a pair
of these birds exhibiting the most perfect plumage; alter living round in the vicinity of the rock for a time,
they settled down near a broken spar floating past on the tide, one at length rising up and alighting on the
timber. Though renins quietly and apparently unconcerned, these handsome strangers were evidently on
the alert, and exceedingly nary when approached : baviog attached a buoy to the cable, an attempt was
made to pull within range ; both birds, however, instantly rose on wing and proceeded up the firth towards
Craig Leith, returning shortly and pitching down near the same spot. On the first signs of danger, the
actions of the Skua perched on the wreckage were most singular, and I much regretted that there was not
an artist at hand to take ils portrait from lire; starting up at once from repose, it indulged in a comfortable
stretch, a position eminently suited to show off its striking plumage and elegant form to the fullest advantage.
Taking a couple of steps, the bird bent its neck downwards, the head being at the same time stretched
forward, the wings were next raised and opened and the feathers of the tail elevated, the whole performance
being carried out in a slow and deliberate manner; then turning and uttering a harsh cry, it followed rapidly
in pursuit of its mate already on wing. Judging from the behaviour of this pair, there could he but little
doubt that they were male and female on the way to their breeding-grounds in the far north, their actions
on the water lieing similar to those of many sea-fowl watched at this season—an immense amuunt of
swimming round, bowing, and chattering being indulged in. A second attempt to obtain a shot proved
nlsu a failure; and again bringing up at our old quarters, I waited on the chance that the birds, who
continued on wing for the rest of the time they remained in view, might work within range of their own
accord. Kittiwakes in thousands hovered over the tideway in the bright sunshine, occasionally making
their way to and from the ledges in the face of the cliffs, while clouds of Gannets and straggling parties of
Guillemots were circling round or heading straight out Cor the open sea in quest of prey. Through all these
busy swarms the pair of Skuas held a steady course, turning neither to the right nor to the left; at times they
appeared to wake up—dashing down with a rapid swoop towards the water they skimmed slowly over the