356 BIRDS OF DAMARA LAND. 



[Mr. Andersson's collection did not contain this well-known 

 species ; but there can be no doubt of the correctness of his iden- 

 tification of it.- ED.] 



409. Diomedea melanophrys, Temm. Black-browed Albatross. 

 Diomedea melanophrys, Temminck's PI. Col. pi. 456. 



Gould's Birds of Australia, vol. vii. pi. 43. 



Layard's Cat. No. 676. 



This bird is very common on the south-west coast of 

 Africa, and may even be occasionally seen close inshore. 

 I have not unfrequently found them in Walwich Bay, as 

 well as in some other bays and inlets to the southward 

 of that locality. It is known to sealers and sailors by 

 the name of " Mollymawk," and is very little inferior in 

 grace of flight and strength of wing to the Great 

 Wandering Albatross. 



As far as I have observed, it is more difficult to capture 

 in the open sea than that species ; but it is frequently 

 taken by the fishermen in the vicinity of the southern 

 coast, and exposed for sale in Cape-Town market. 



This species sometimes captures by diving the molus- 

 cous animals on which it preys, but it seems to do so rather 

 from necessity than from inclination; and it will fre- 

 quently pursue some of the smaller allied birds, especially 

 the Greater Shearwater, when these have captured any 

 thing in sight of their stronger kinsman, and compel 

 them to disgorge their prey for its benefit. 



[Mr. Andersson's collection did not contain this Albatross ; 

 and the identification of the species therefore rests on his 

 authority . E D ."] 



