768 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
on which he met with them in that vicinity. According to Mr. 
Andersson, “this is the most common Petrel off the south and 
south-west coast of Africa, but is rarely seen much to the north of 
27° lat. It is pretty generally known as the ‘ Cape-pigeon ;’ why, 
it is hard to say, except it be from its comparative fearlessness of 
man. Their food is various, consisting chiefly of mollusca, including 
such refuse as is thrown overboard from vessels, and sometimes also 
the carcass of a putrid whale, which, when it occurs, affords to those 
birds a welcome feast. They are voracious feeders, and will rush at 
a bait with the utmost avidity, disputing fiercely with each other for 
the treacherous morsel; they are thus easily captured with a hook 
and line, and sometimes by a line only, if suddenly thrown over 
them as they pass close under a vessel’s stern. Sometimes, also, they 
become entangled by flying against lines which have been set by 
the sailors for that purpose. When caught, they are exceedingly 
awkward on the deck of a vessel, as they cannot rise, but attempt 
to make their escape by running along with outstretched wings ; 
on such occasions they frequently vomit large quantities of a 
reddish-coloured offensive oil. This they seem to do from sheer 
fright only. Sealers declare that the only locality known as a 
breeding-place of this species is the island of South Georgia.” The 
late Dr. Welwitsch obtained a specimen at the mouth of the Bengo, 
and Senor Anchieta procured a single example near Mossamedes. 
Upper parts, mottled black and white ; head black ; chin speckled. 
Length, 15”; wing, 104”; tail, 4” 9’”’. 
Fig. Gould, B. Austr. vu, pl. 53. 
747. HALopmNA CHRULEA (Gim.). Blue Petrel. 
Procellaria cerulea, Layard, B. 8. Afr. p. 361. 
The larger size and the white edges to the scapulars, the tips and 
- two outer tail-feathers distinguish this species at once from all the 
Blue Petrels inhabiting our seas. It is not uncommon along the 
coast, and is occasionally cast ashore after a gale of wind. 
Mr. Rickard says that one specimen was brought to him near 
East London, which was being carried off by a Sea-eagle, having 
been probably picked up dead by the latter bird. 
Upper parts, darkish pearl-grey ; under parts white; scapulars 
grey, darkened by a distinct tint of brocoli-brown; several of them 
finely tipped with white; tail pearl-grey, the tips of all the feathers, 
