290 OUR RARER BIRDS 



only rears a single nestling in the year, which remains in the 

 burrow until able to fly. Both parents sit on the egg, but 

 the female by far the most frequently. If the single egg be 

 taken the birds lay another, as is the case with most species. 

 The St. Kildans obtain quantities of oil from the Manx 

 Shearwater, and its egg is a favourite article of food with 

 them, as is also the bird itself. The food of this bird consists 

 largely if not entirely of cuttlefish and sorrel, which latter 

 substance it appears to eat in great quantities to counteract 

 the injurious effects of its fatty food. It is very probable 

 that the Shearwater preys upon cuttlefish of a different 

 species to that taken by the Fulmar, as the remains in its 

 stomach are much darker than those in the latter bird. The 

 Shearwater will not refuse any scraps that may be thrown 

 overboard, especially those of an oily nature. 



