THE DARK-BODIED SHEARWATER. 869 
Recognition Marks.—Really Teal length but appearing Gull size by reason 
of stout body and long wings; dusky plumage; rapid flight with alternate flap and 
sail; follows surface of water closely; larger than either opisthomelas or 
tenuirostris ; axillars chiefly white. 
Nesting.—Not known to breed in Washington. Single white egg laid at end 
of burrow in earth-bank, several feet in. Av. size, 2.40x1.65 (61 x 41.9). 
Season: (southern hemisphere) c. Feb. 15; (northern hemisphere) ? April. 
General Range.—The Pacific Ocean, supposed to breed exclusively in 
southern hemisphere and to summer in the North Pacific, but probably breeds also 
on islands off northwest coast of America. 
Range in Washington.—Common at least in summer and early fall off West 
Coast and on the Straits of Juan de Fuca. 
Authorities.—Kobbe, Auk, XVII. goo, p. 349. 
Specimens.—(U. of W.) Prov. C. D. 
WE are all familiar with the migration of birds breeding in the northern 
hemisphere; but little is known concerning the counter movements of birds 
whose nestlings are reared under the Southern Cross. Instances of this latter 
sort are probably not common, but here is unquestionably a case in point. 
The Dark-bodied Shearwater appears off our coasts from May to September, 
the southern winter; while its breeding range, so far as known, 1s confined to 
Cornwallis and Chatham Islands, off the east coast of New Zealand, together 
with other points still further south. 
Altho Shearwaters range over the entire ocean, their favorite beats lie 
along the offshore banks, where herring, squids, and surface crustaceans 
abound. They usually move close to the water with a stiff, double, or treble, 
flap and a sail, a motion which is admirably suited to the sinuosities of the sea; 
and altho one may think them a little awkward and slow-gaited, it is astonish- 
ing how soon they pass from sight. 
In feeding upon floating fish or refuse, Shearwaters alight upon the water 
with uplifted or slowly folding wings, after the fashion of gulls; but, more 
commonly, they plunge beneath the surface and use their wings, if need be, in 
pursuing elusive fish or squids under water. 
Scattered individuals of this species may not infrequently be seen in 
summer about the waters of the Straits, and along shore for a certain distance 
south of Cape Flattery. In July, 1906, I picked up a dead Shearwater, much 
decomposed, on the beach at La Push, and from that point on remarked 
several isolated birds, sighting the last one on the 26th of that month just 
north of Port Townsend. 
On the 24th of June, 1907, as we paddled by compass, in intermittent 
fog, north of Ozette, we encountered several parties of these Shearwaters 
within a mile of shore. The birds were seated in the water and required the 
assistance of their feet in launching to wing, altho they did this with great 
celerity. We secured two specimens. 
