GREATER SHEARWATER 
89. Puffinus gravis. 20 in. 
Entire upper parts, top and sides of head, bill and 
feet, grayish or brownish-black; middle of belly and 
under tail coverts dusky. This species is the most 
abundant of the shearwaters found off our coast. They 
are constant attendants of the fishermen when they are 
at work, and at other times are usually to be seen 
flying low over the water, or resting in large bodies 
upon its surface. Their flight is peculiar and distine- 
tive-—three flaps of the wings then a short sail, re- 
peated over and over. Possibly this habit is acquired 
by their swooping down into the troughs of waves, then 
flapping to clear the next crest. They are very greedy 
and continually quarreling among themselves in order 
to get the lion’s share of the food. They are called 
“ Haglets ” by the fishermen. 
Notes.—Harsh, discordant squawks when feeding. 
Nest.—While the habits of these birds are well known 
their breeding places are yet a mystery. 
Range.—Whole North Atlantic coast in summer. 
