DUSKY BOOBY. 417 



DUSKY BOOBY.* 

 Sula fusca. 



Pelecanus sula, LINN. Aud. pi. 207. 

 Sula fusca, BRISS. 



THE trees described in the preceding article as 

 constituting the lodging place of the Pelicans, are 

 frequented also, though less regularly, by a con- 

 siderable number of these Boobies. They usually 

 huddle together, in little groups, sitting closely 

 side by side, so that four and five may frequently 

 be brought down at a shot. 



I have invariably found the stomachs of those 

 thus obtained, quite empty, and as the Frigate- 

 birds assemble on the same trees, I conjecture that 

 the Boobies examined had been compelled to disgorge 

 the prey they had taken, by the assaults of their 

 powerful neighbours : to avoid whose attacks, pro- 

 bably, they took refuge on the trees. As they 

 sit, they frequently utter a loud croaking cackle. 



One which was disabled, manifested great fero- 

 city, striking forcibly with the opened beak, en- 

 deavouring to pierce with its very acute points, 

 as well as to cut with its keen saw-like edges. 

 It had the sagacity to 1 neglect a stick presented, 

 and strike at the hand that held it; and my 



* Length 29 inches, expanse 58, flexure 14|, tail 7f, rictus 4^, tar- 

 sus 1 , middle toe 3. 



T 5 



