. Birds of Massachusetts and other New England states. Birds; Birds. GULLS 91 black bar near the tip serves to distinguish them at once from the terns. Their flight is airy, buoyant, easy and graceful like that of the terns. They frequently dip down to the water, but I have never seen one go under as terns so often do. A loose flock of these charming birds wandering along shore or over river marsh, per- forming their sprightly evolutions while catching insects, or fluttering poised over the water as they stoop to pick up some tidbit, perhaps a living fish which they secure by a lightning-like
. Birds of Massachusetts and other New England states. Birds; Birds. GULLS 91 black bar near the tip serves to distinguish them at once from the terns. Their flight is airy, buoyant, easy and graceful like that of the terns. They frequently dip down to the water, but I have never seen one go under as terns so often do. A loose flock of these charming birds wandering along shore or over river marsh, per- forming their sprightly evolutions while catching insects, or fluttering poised over the water as they stoop to pick up some tidbit, perhaps a living fish which they secure by a lightning-like dart, adds life and beauty to the landscape. Although this delicate creature seems fitted only to play in the sunlight amid summer zephyrs, it has wonderful powers of flight and is hardy enough to breast the storms and raging seas of winter along our coast. Although it is not often seen during the most inclement seasons on the New England coast, yet it is not uncommon locally during mild winters and a few may be found here irregularly at this season where rivers or estuaries remain ice-free so that the birds can secure food. In winter in our waters it seems to be a rather silent bird; but while feeding in flocks, particularly in spring, individuals sometimes keep up a continual chattering. Bonaparte's Gull feeds largely on small "fry" but during the summer is more depend- ent on insects than are most gulls. It seeks insects in marshes, on cultivated fields, on seaweed stranded on shore or floating on water; and its stomach is often filled to repletion with such food. Flies, ants, moths and their larvae, and other insects are eaten, also many small crustaceans and marine worms. Economic Status. Apparently this species does no harm as it is not known to feed on any of man's crops, and as an insect eater it no doubt has some share in the regulation of insect life. Larus minutus Pallas. Little Gull. Description. — Tail nearly even at end. Similar to Bonaparte's Gull, bu
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Keywords: ., bookauthorforb, bookcentury1900, bookdecade1920, booksubjectbirds
