384 BIRDS OF TUNISIA 



This Shearwater, the representative in tlie Mediterranean and 

 Black Seas of P. anglorum, is not uncommon on the coast of Tunisia, 

 though apparently less abundant than the preceding species, and less 

 frequently observed, owing to its usually keeping more out at sea. 

 Though I have no positive knowledge of the fact, the species probably 

 breeds on the small uninhabited islands off the Tunisian coast. It is 

 to be met with and is probably resident on the coasts of Algeria and 

 Marocco. 



The range of this Shearwater is confined to the Mediterranean and 

 Black Seas, but, accidentally, the bird has been met with on three or 

 four occasions on the British coasts. In the Bosphorus and Darda- 

 nelles it is remarkably plentiful, and is commonly known by the name 

 of " dm'e damiice," probably on account of its restless and untiring 

 flight, as well as its somewhat ominous appearance, as it glides swiftly 

 and silently over the surface of the water in all sorts of weather and 

 at all hours. 



Like its congeners this Shearwater is strictly oceanic, and seldom 

 approaches land except during the breeding season, when it chiefly 

 resorts to small rocky islands. Its flight is swift and powerful, and 

 the bird also swims and dives with facility. It is crepuscular and 

 nocturnal to a certain extent, as well as diurnal, particularly during 

 the breeding-season. It feeds on small fish, crustaceans, and any 

 fatty matter it may find on the water, as perhaps also on certain 

 plants. The species breeds in holes and clefts in rocks and cliffs, as 

 well as in burrows which it excavates, and which vary in depth from 

 one to two feet. At times a few blades of dry grass or other similiar 

 materials form the nest, but as often as not the single egg is laid on 

 the bare soil. The egg is pure white, and measures about GO x 40 

 mm. Sitting birds are easily captured on the nest. 



