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GENUS—PUFFINUS. SHEARWATERS. 
General Description. 'Tube-nosed Swimmers from 17 to 20 inches long. The nasal 
tubes are apparent but much less pronounced than in either the Fulmar or the Petrel. 
Distinctions. The only two east Canadian species that the ordinary observer is likely 
to meet are either very dark or seem almost crow black from a distance. 
Field Marks. The long narrow wings held stiffly at right angles to the body and the 
long glides of half a mile or more on fixed wings are distinctive. Their colour in browns 
should separate them from the Fulmar which is grey but has much the same flight habits. 
Nesting. Very little is known of the nesting habits of the Shearwaters. Many of 
them nest in the southern hemisphere, migrating north in the summer. 
Shearwaters are wonderful fliers, breasting the storms and gales with 
the ease and grace of swallows. They are rarely seen by the casual observer 
except from the decks of transatlantic steamers. 
Economic Status. Gleaning from the surface of the high seas, taking 
small fish or such offal as is thrown from deep sea fishing or whaling boats, 
their economic influence is too small to be appreciable. 
89. Greater Shearwater. FR.—LE GRAND PUFFIN. Puffinus gravis. L, 20. The 
larger of our two commoner Shearwaters, lighter below with under tail coverts ashy grey. 
Distinctions. Its light colour below should separate this from the Sooty Shearwater; 
and its general brownness of back instead of greyness and its variegated colour differenti- 
ate it from the Fulmar 
Field Marks. Flight habits as described previously, together with brown coloration 
and white underparts should separate this in life from either the Fulmar or the next species. 
Nesting. There is little if anything known of the nesting habits of this species. Pro- 
bably breeds in the southern hemisphere on lonely islets that have not been ornithologically 
investigated. 
Distribution. Ranges over the whole Atlantic ocean from the Arctic to Cape Horn. 
Visits Canada irregularly in summer. 
Economic Status. Of no economic importance. 
95. Sooty Shearwater. Puffinus griseus. L, 17. The smaller of our two more 
common Shearwaters. Very dark brown, almost black, and but little lighter below. 
Distinctions. Size, when possible to estimate or measure, and general dark coloration. 
Field Marks. Flight habits as described under Shearwater and very dark, almost 
crow black, appearance in life are probably the best field distinctions. 
Nesting. In burrows in the ground. 
Distribution. The oceans of the southern hemisphere, migrating up our coasts in 
summer rather rarely. 
The two Shearwaters and Wilson’s Petrel are the only species of 
Canadian birds that are known to nest at the southern extremity of their 
migratory range instead of at the northern. Specimens seen here in the 
summer are migrants, not nesting birds. 
Economic Status. Of no economic importance. 
GENERA—OCEANODROMA, OCEANITES. PETRELS. 
General Description. The Canadian species of Petrel are small birds, scarcely as large 
as robins and of even dark brown coloration. 
Distinctions. Small size, general sooty-brown coloration, and white rump. 
Field Marks. Size, colour as above, and the habit of pattering up and down the waves 
as if walking on the water are diagnostic of the Petrels. 
The origin of the name Petrel is after Peter who walked the sea of 
Galilee. The birds are also well known to sailors and voyageurs under 
