DUSKY BOOBY. 417 



DUSKY BOOBY.* 



Sula fusca. 



Pelecanus sula, Linn. — And. pi. 207. 

 Sula fusca, Briss. 



The trees described in the preceding article as 

 constituting the lodging place of the Pelicans, are 

 frequented also, though less regularly, by a con- 

 siderable number of these Boobies. They usually 

 huddle together, in little groups, sitting closely 

 side by side, so that four and five may frequently 

 be brought down at a shot. 



I have invariably found the stomachs of those 

 thus obtained, quite empty, and as the Frigate- 

 birds assemble on the same trees, I conjecture that 

 the Boobies examined had been compelled to disgorge 

 the prey they had taken, by the assaults of their 

 powerful neighbours : to avoid whose attacks, pro- 

 bably, they took refuge on the trees. As they 

 sit, they frequently utter a loud croaking cackle. 



One which was disabled, manifested great fero- 

 city, striking forcibly with the opened beak, en- 

 deavouring to pierce with its very acute points, 

 as well as to cut with its keen saw-like edges. 

 It had the sagacity to neglect a stick presented, 

 and strike at the hand that held it; and my 



* Length "29 inches, expanse 58, flexure 14f, tail 1^, rictus 4y%, tar- 

 sus 1 §, middle toe 3. 



T 5 



