GREAT BLACK-BACKED GÜLL.
LARUS MARINUS, Linn.
Larus marinus, Linn. S. N. i. p. 225 (176G) : Naum. x. p. 138 ;
Mac;), v. p. 52G ; Hewitson, ii. p. 501 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iii.
p. G31 ; Dresser, viii. p. 427.
Goéland à manteau noir, French ; Mantel-Move, German ;
Alcatrdz, Spanish ; Gavinot, Valencian.
This Gull, though not so abundant on our British
coasts as several other species of the Laridce, is probably
well known by sight to those of my readers who
have visited and remained at almost any sea-side resort
for any length of time. The superior size of this bird
to our other Galls is of course sufficient to identify it
at a reasonable distance, and the loud angry bark to
which both old and young constantly give utterance
differs very perceptibly from the cry of any of the
smaller species. During the autumn and winter the
young of the Great Black-back, or, as it is often called,
" Saddle-back " Gull, arc to be met with all round our
coasts and frequently at a considerable distance inland ;
but only a few pairs are known to nest in the south of
England. In Scotland, however, this Gull breeds in