372 Synopsis of the Birds 



processes ; lower mandible smooth, end distinct, compressed 

 and truncated at tip, internally on each side with a ser- 

 rated, sharp process : nostrils in the furrow, distant from the 

 base, separate, covered on the sides, open before ; tubes very 

 short, subcorneal, wider before than behind, lying on the 

 sides of the bill ; tongue very short, fleshy, truncated at tip. 

 Head large ; eyes large, near the top : neck short, stout : 

 body massive. Feet short, robust : tarsus one fourth shorter 

 than the middle toe ; toes very long ; the middle one sub- 

 equal to the outer; inner shortest; the lateral edged ex- 

 teriorly by a narrow membrane ; webs full, entire ; no rudi- 

 ment of hind toe nor nail: nails short, obtuse. Wings very 

 long, very narrow: quills short; secondaries hardly reach- 

 ing beyond their coverts. Tail moderate, rounded, of four- 

 teen feathers. 



Female similar to the male. Young differing much from 

 the adult. Moult twice a year, without changing their colors. 

 The largest of marine birds. 



Notwithstanding their strength and gigantic stature, very 

 cowardly ; escape from the attacks of other birds, even 

 considerably weaker, by descending rapidly and settling in 

 the sea ; even the Gulls in small parties incessantly attack 

 and harass them. Voracious beyond conception. Feed on 

 fishes, especially of the flying kind, on mollusca, and above 

 all, gelatinous animals. Gorging themselves to such a degree 

 as to be often unable either to fly or swim, being sometimes 

 seen with large fishes partly hanging out of their mouth, 

 partly swallowed, in which state their feathered enemies 

 compel them to disgorge their food, and they may be caught 

 by hand. Build with clay a rounded nest two or three feet 

 high : eggs very large, numerous for the family. Fly skim- 

 ming the water, soaring to the high regions of the atmosphere 

 during strong gales and stormy weather only. Venturing 

 great distances from land, occasionally compelled to seek re- 

 pose, and even to sleep on the sea, or on the rigging of vessels. 



