M A S K E D G U L L.
BROWN-HEADED GULL.
I.arns capfstratus, FLB I U H O . JENYNS. TEMMINCK.
Chroiuphalus capis/ra/us, EYT0 N.
/.ants— ? Capisiraltis. Capistrum—A halter, or headstall.
W E are chiefly indebted to continental naturalists for particulars
respecting this species.
I t belongs to North America, and is found in Baffin's Bay, and
Davis Straits.
In Europe specimens have been procured in Italy, one in Liguria,
in the collection of the Marquis Durano. In Spain too, it is said to
occur.
I n Berkshire, one in immature plumage was obtained near Newbury;
another, also a young bird, near Sandsneld, in Cumberland, on the
6th. of June, 1833. One near Nottingham, in January, 1854, of which
William Felkin, Esq., Jun., has informed me; one by J. A. Drake,
Esq., of Magdalen Hall, Oxford, at Ashford, Kent, in the summer of
1853. He saw another at the same time. In Suffolk, one at Aidborough,
in the early part of April, 1848; in Westmoreland, one was
captured near Kendal, the latter end of November, 1841. It had
alighted on the back of a sheep, and having got its feet entangled
among the wool, was injured by some means during an effort to rise,
and being disabled for a moment, fell to the ground, and was quickly
picked up by a boy. Another, a mature bird, was caught off Brighton,
Sussex, on the 25th. of February, 1853. In Devonshire one on the
River Dart, December, 1849.
I n Ireland it has occurred, but is extremely rare. One was shot in
the neighbourhood of Belfast.
I n Wales, T. C. Eyton, Esq., of Eyton, has recorded one shot near
Bangor.