THE SHEARWATERS 399 



to be eagerly sought for. The fulmar apparently always seizes these 

 as they float at the surface : and for the most part apparently so also 

 do the Shearwaters. But that they also dive for food, and that this 

 source of food is of vital importance, is shown by the elongated body 

 and short, backwardly placed legs of these birds, features invariably 

 present in birds which have to seek any large proportion of their food 

 under water. Yet the diving habits of the Shearwaters are rarely 

 referred to, and one must suppose are not commonly realised. 

 Howard Saunders, 1 however, in regard to Manx-shearwater, remarks 

 that "it dives freely, remaining under water for about twenty 

 seconds." The precise fashion of its diving, however, seems to have 

 been observed only by Ussher, 2 who tells us that it will dash into and 

 under water without closing its wings, and seems to fly or row itself 

 beneath the surface for a few yards, but soon emerging. It will also 

 dive with outspread wings while swimming or at rest on the surface. 

 But it never dives auk-fashion. Sprats and other small fish and 

 cuttle-fish seem to be the object of these submarine excursions. 



Like the more typical petrels, the Shearwaters are experts at 

 taking their prey from the surface of the water without alighting 

 thereon, hovering over the desired morsels with vibrating wings, and 

 pattering on the water with the feet. 



So far as their general mode of life is concerned they present no 

 marked points of difference. But the latter seems, if possible, to lead 

 an even more strenuous life. It is never seen on land save during 

 the breeding season, a custom common to the petrels, and seems 

 never to deign to follow passing steamers for the sake of scraps as 

 all other petrels will. At most it will approach for purposes of 

 inspection, and, curiosity once satisfied, it continues its journey 

 without more ado. Whalers and fishing vessels, however, furnish an 

 irresistible attraction, for it will persistently and eagerly attend 

 upon these, knowing from experience how much is to be gained 

 thereby. It displays a most voracious appetite, and in its hawk- 



1 British Birds, p. 738. 2 Birds of Ireland, p. 392. 



