THE PETRELS 2299 



are characterized as a genus by their very small size, by the even or rounded tail, 

 by the length of the metatarsus being approximately equal to that of the middle 

 toe with its claw, and by the presence of a white patch on the rump. The whole 

 length of the true storm petrel the "Mother Carey's Chicken" of the sailors 

 is rather less than six inches; the general color of the plumage being sooty 

 black. 



STORM PETRELS ON THE WAVES. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



This petrel is confined to the more northerly portions of the Atlantic, and ex- 

 cept during the prevalence of severe storms and in the breeding season, is but sel- 

 dom seen in the neighborhood of land. Essentially a child of the ocean, it is 

 frequently met with far out at sea, where it will follow vessels for considerable dis- 

 tances, hovering over the surface of the water in a manner which has been compared 

 to the flutterings of a large butterfly. The breeding places of the storm petrel 



