42 PETRELS, SHEARWATERS, ETC. 



TUBE-NOSED SWIMMERS. 



These are ocean-inhabiting birds of va- 

 rying sizes. The wings are long and narrow. 

 The flight is strong, but the wings are moved 

 rather slowly with a peculiar downward beat. 

 In this group are found some of the strong- 

 est flying birds known. The bill is hooked 

 with the nostrils opening into tubes, figs. 30 

 and 32, whence the group name. All swim 

 well, and although some species pursue their 



Fig. 30. 



Bill of Fulmar. 



prey beneath the water, none are expert di- 

 vers. When annoyed, some eject an oily flu- 

 id from the mouth, which has a strong, rath- 

 ther disagreeable odor. Food, fishes, squid, 



