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Wilson’s Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is one of the most 
widely distributed of all birds ranging from Arctic to Antarctic 
regions. It is one of the well-known ‘‘ Storm petrels.” They are 
entirely absent from Antarctic regions during winter, and do not 
return to the South Orkneysto breed before November. Practically 
no nest is made, the eggs being laid in narrow clefts and furrows of 
the rocks, and often in extremely inaccessible places. Despite its 
wide range the only breeding places known are Victoria and Kaiser 
Wilhelm II. Lands (Antarctica) and Kerguelen and the South 
Orkneys. 
The Cape Pigeon (Daféion capensis) is one of the commonest 
petrels of the southern seas. It breeds on various subantarctic 
islands, but despite this the Sco¢/a naturalists were the first to 
discover its eggs. The pure white egg is laid in a very primitive 
nest composed of a few fragments of rock, but generally placed in 
crannies of the cliffs. October is the month in which breeding 
Starts and the eggs appear in December. 
The Snowy Petrel (Pagedroma nivea) is very abundant in the 
Antarctic regions, and is one of the few birds that remain at the 
South Orkneys during the winter months. It nests on the precipi- 
tous sea cliffs in crevices of the rocks. A single egg is laid early in 
December in a very primitive nest of fragments of rock and pebbles. 
The Giant Petrel (Ossifrage gigantea) is generally known by 
sailors as the ‘‘nelly”’ or ‘‘stinker.” The latter name is due to the 
habit which it shares with other petrels, of ejecting a portion of the 
contents of its stomach on intruders who try to molest it. Its food 
consists of carrion and of eggs and young penguins, and it plays 
great havoc among the penguin rookeries, It has a habit of 
gorging itself to repletion until it is almost unable to fly. The 
giant petrel varies much in colour, ranging from very dark brown 
to pure white. It builds a large nest of stones and lays its eggs 
early in November. The average weight of the bird is about 8% Ibs. 
The Antarctic Skua (Megalestris antarctica) is one of the 
most aggressive of Antarctic birds, and during the breeding season 
of the peguins is to be seen continually hovering over the rookeries 
ready to swoop down on any unprotected egg or chick. They also 
eagerly devour offal and dead carcases. The nests are built of moss 
and lichens, generally on moss covered rocks, and the two eggs are 
laid early in December. 
