COMMON GÜLL.
LARUS CANUS, Linn.
Larus canus, Linn. S. N. i. p. 2 2 1 (17G6) ; Naum. x. p. 301 ;
Macg. v. p. 575 ; Hewitson, ii. p. 495 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iii.
p. 613; Dresser, viii. p. 381.
Goéland cendré, French; Sturm-Move, German; Gabina
de mar, Spanish.
Although this species is abundant on almost all
parts of our coasts in autumn and winter, and very
frequently to be met with at those seasons far inland,
the word "common" can only be applied to it in
a comparative sense as regards England, as modern
authors seem to agree in stating that it is not now
known to breed in any part of the southern kingdom.
From my own experience on our south coast during
the early summer months I am inclined to consider
this Gull as the least frequently seen of our common
Laridae, for the very obvious reason that its breeding-haunts
in our Islands are confined to the north of
Scotland and a few localities in Ireland. In August,
however, old and young birds of this species flock to all
the low-lying districts of the English coast, where they
remain throughout the winter, and occasionally make