GREATER SHEARWATER 



89. Puffinus grai'is. 20 in. 



Entire upper parts, top and sides of head, bill and 

 feet, grayish or brownish-black; middle of belly and 

 under tail coverts dusky. This species is the" most 

 abundant of the shearwaters found off our coast. They 

 are constant attendants of the fishermen when they are 

 at work, and at other times are usually to be* seen 

 Hying low over the water, or resting in* large bodies 

 upon its surface. Their flight is peculiar and distinc- 

 tive, three flaps of the wings then a short sail, re- 

 peated over and over. Possibly this habit is acquired 

 by their swooping down into the troughs of waves, then 

 flapping to clear the next crest. They are very greedy 

 and continually quarreling among themselves in order 

 to get the lion's share of the food. They are called 

 " Haglets " by the fishermen. 



Notes. Harsh, discordant squawks when feeding. 



Nest. While the habits of these birds are well known 

 their breeding places are yet a mystery. 



Range. Whole North Atlantic coast in summer. 



