BIRDS. 



Plate XII. 



Heads of McConuick's Skua {Mer/alfistris macconnichi) at various ages. Fig. 1, of 

 nestling when first hatched, with the egg-scale still attached to the upper bill ; fig. 2. 

 nestling at about two weeks, showing the rapid growth of the bill ; fig. 3, fledgling at 

 about seven weeks, when the bird is just beginning to use its wings ; fig. 4, young adult 

 of the first year ; fig. 5, adult at the end of summer, but before the moult. 



