Nesting on Albatross Island. 421 



5. Larus PACiFicus. [Pacific Gull.) 



There was one pair of these birds on the island^ and their 

 nest was found on a high rocky point. It was lined with 

 grassj and was well sheltered by high tussocks of grass on each 

 side. The pair of handsomely marked eggs measured : — 



(1) 2-97x2 inches; (2) 2-99 x 1-99. 



Remains of shell-fish Avere plentiful about the nest. These 

 birds also feed on any refuse that may be thi'owu up by the 

 sea, as well as on young birds left unprotected. 



6. Larus xov.e-hollaxdi.f.. {Silvery Gull.) 



These pretty birds generally seemed to keep together, 

 and they had a fair-sized colony on the island. It was 

 situated on a shelving rocky headland, where some short 

 tussocky grass grew in patches in clefts in the rocks, and 

 it was amongst this vegetation that the birds made their 

 nests, lining them with a little grass. These had two or 

 three eggs or young in them, but those with two largely pre- 

 ponderated. The young are covered with down and prettily 

 marked. The measurements of a clutch of three eggs taken 

 are:— (1)2- 17 inches X 1-59; (2) 2-21 x 1-53; (3) 2-18x IGl. 



The variation in the markings of the different eggs was 

 considerable. When disturbed the birds all hovered over 

 their nesting-gi'ound, continually uttering their cry, but 

 soon settled again on being left alone. The presence 

 of a neighbouring pair of Pacific Gulls would probably help 

 to account for their anxiety to get back to their nests. 



7. Graculus leucogaster. {JVhite-breasted Cormorant.) 

 A small colony of these birds were building on ledges of 



the cliff, and had their grass nests in close proximity to those 

 of the Shy Albatross ; in one instance two Cormorants' 

 nests were placed within a foot of that of an Albatross, 

 and both bird and nest were plentifully besprinkled with 

 their excreta. Most of the nests contained well-grown young ; 

 they were covered with very dark brown down. Only one 

 clutch of eggs was found, measuring : — (I) 2*45 inches x 1"47; 



(2) 2-46 X 1-49. 



