THE STORMY PETREL. 605 



The Petrel builds its nest, a rude structure of weeds 

 and rubbish, either in the hole of a cliff or under stones on 

 the beach, and lays a single egg. It rarely conies abroad 

 by day, and if disturbed ejects from its mouth an oily 

 matter, after the manner of the Fulmar. Towards even- 

 ing it comes forth from its stronghold, and skims the sea 

 in quest of food, which consists of floating animal matter 

 of all kinds. Its name, Petrel, or Little Peter, is derived 

 from its habit of occasionally skimming along so close to 

 the surface of the sea as to dip its feet in the water, and 

 present the appearance of walking ; but its ordinary flight 

 is very like that of the Swallow. 



The Stormy Petrel breeds in the Orkney, Shetland, and 

 Scilly Islands, but, a genuine ocean-bird, quits the land as 

 soon as its young are able to accompany it. It is fre- 

 quently seen in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, and is 

 not an uncommon visitor to our shores, especially during 

 severe weather, 



Its note is only heard during the season of incubation, 

 when its retreat is often betrayed by a low twittering. 



Stormy Petrels are gregarious birds; they breed in 

 colonies, and skim the sea in small flocks. The French 

 steamers which sail between Toulon and Algiers are said 

 to be regularly accompanied by these birds. 



