260 C\.KKV., Birds of Margarita IsLind. [j'^jy 



1. Larus atricilla Linn. Laughing Gull. — Common along the 

 beaches of the island and of the adjacent mainland. 



2. Rynchops nigra Z/;^«. Black Skimmer. — A few seen, out in the 

 channel between the island and the main land. 



3. Oceanites oceanicus {Ktii/l). Wilson's Petrel. — On July 2 a 

 flock of about two dozen of these birds came about the boat in which I 

 was crossing over from the mainland. Thev appeared about sunset, and 

 approached very near, within a few feet of the stern. 



4. Phalacrocorax sp. Cormorant. — I found a small, dark-colored 

 cormorant common at Margarita, and abundant about Cariipano, on the 

 mainland, occurring either singly or in small companies just outside the 

 surf. In the harbor at Carupano they were especially common, and very 

 tame, coming up to within a few yards of the wharves. They never 

 mingled with the great flocks of other sea birds, but always kept by them- 

 selves. 



5. Sula sp. Gannet. — Midway between the mainland and the island 

 a few small white gannets, probably Sula pisca for \\t\\\oi, appeared. 



6. Sula sp. Booby. — Abundant all along the coast from LaGuaira to 

 Trinidad, but especially so in the channel between Mai-garita and the 

 mainland. Here they were to be met with at all times, flying about in 

 small companies, or sitting on the water. In flying they alternately flap 

 and sail, a whole flock acting in unison, like pelicans. At Carupano, 

 where they were very common, they would mingle with the large flocks of 

 pelicans, and feed together with them, acting like them in every way. 

 Often a solitary pelican could be seen feeding, attended by one of these 

 gannets, which acted like the larger bird in every way, diving at the same 

 time, and always keeping near it Avhile in the air. This species was 

 doubtless Sula su/a (Linn.). 



7. Pelecanus fuscus Linn. Brow'n Pelican. — Very common about 

 the island, and along the mainland, especially in and about the harbor of 

 Carupano. Here they collected by hundreds to fish, accompanied by 

 boobies and frigate birds. 



8. Fregata aquila {Linn.). Man-o'-War Bird. — Common along the 

 beaches, sailing about high in air. At Carupano there would be some- 

 times over fifty in sight at once, but they Avere not so common at the 

 island. They often wander inland, and may often be seen circling about 

 tW'O or three miles from the sea. 



9. Garzetta candidissima (Gwie/.). Snowy Heron. — Common about 

 the mangrove-bordered lagoons, and on the beaches. 



10. Arenaria interpres {Linn.). Turnstone. — Common in large 

 flocks about the lagoons and along the beaches. 



11. Eupsychortyx pallidus ^/c//w(7«</. Margaritan Crested Quail. 

 — Common along the bases of the hills, and in the scrub on their lower 

 slopes. Although reported by Capt. Robinson as being "abundant in 

 the thorny thickets near the coast," I found none there, although I searched 

 carefully for them. On the lower declivities of the hills, however, their 



