GANNETS. 493 



from its base spreads out a reddish dark colored skin on either side 

 of the head, including the eyes. From the under mandible hangs a 

 membranous bag descending some way down the throat, which is of 

 a fine deep red, and as well as the other naked parts about the face 

 most brilliant in the breeding season ; on the sides of this pouch are 

 sprinkled a few scattered feathers. The general plumage is brown- 

 ish-black, with violet reflections, except the wing coverts which have 

 a rufous tinge. The tail is long and deeply forked ; the outer fea- 

 thers 18 inches or more in length ; tlie middle ones from 7 to 8. The 

 legs and feet are dusky-red. 



GANNETS. (SuLA, Briss. Temm.) 



The bill longer than the head, cleft beyond the eyes, robust, con- 

 ically elongated, very stout at base, compressed towards the point, 

 which is slightly curved ; the edges of both mandibles serrulated. 

 Nostrils in the furrow of the bill, basal, long and linear, almost 

 hidden. Face and throat naked of feathers. Feet short, robust, 

 drawn up into the abdomen ; toes 4, all connected together by mem- 

 branes, the webs full and entire ; the hind-toe short, articulated inte- 

 riorly ; the middle nail serrulated on its inner edge. Wings long 

 and acute, 1st and 2d primaries longest. TaiV wedge-shaped, of 12 

 feathers. 



The female similar to the male, but smaller. The young changing 

 their plumage, as well as size for several years before attaining the 

 livery of the aduit. The moult annual. On the throat there is a 

 small pouch or enlargement of the (esophagus, as in the Pelican, with 

 which the birds of this genus have been formerly confounded. 



The Gannets and Boobys have been stigmatised, perhaps unjustly, 

 for cowardice and stupidity, suffering themselves sometimes to be 

 taken or killed without much show of resistance. They chiefly 

 dwell in desert and rocky islands near the sea, in incredible numbers, 

 and are almost constantly on the wing, flying well, and keeping 

 usually at no great distance from the shore ; proceeding with the 

 neck extended, and the tail spread Though provided with perfectly 

 webbed feet, they seldom swim, and never dive. From the situation 

 of their feet they walk with difiiculty, standing nearly erect, and 

 throwing in the assistance of their rigid tail Jp aid in supporting the 

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