354 BIRDS. 



The Petrels (Procellarid) have their beaks hooked at the extremity, which 

 seems to be made of a piece distinct from the rest. The nostrils are united 

 to form a tube, laid along the upper mandible. Their feet present, instead of 

 the hinder toe, a simple claw inserted into the heel. Of all the swimming 

 birds these are most constantly met with at great distances from land, so that 

 when a tempest approaches, they are often obliged to take refuge upon shoals 

 or on board of vessels. They make their nests in the holes of rocks, and are 

 specially abundant in the Antarctic regions. 



FIG. 391. STORMY PETREL. 



The Albatrosses (Diomeded] are the largest of all water-birds. The beak 

 of the albatross is large, strong, and cutting, seemingly formed of several 

 distinct pieces, and terminated by a hook that has the appearance of being 

 fixed on to the end. The nostrils resemble two short tubes laid along the 

 sides of the beak. Their feet have no hinder toe, and are even destitute of 

 the little claw that we have noticed in the petrels. They inhabit all the seas 

 of the southern hemisphere, and live on fishes, Mollusks, and other marine 

 animals. The species most commonly known (Diomcdea exulans) is often 

 called by sailors the Cape Sheep, partly on account of its size, and partly from 

 its colour ; it also receives the name of Man-of-war bird. It is a great enemy 

 to flying-fishes. These magnificient birds come on shore to rear their young : 

 they construct a nest of raised earth on which they lay their eggs, which 

 are numerous and good to eat. The voice of the albatross is said to be as 

 loud as that of an ass. 



The Sea-Gulls (Larus) have the beak compressed, elongated, and pointed, 

 the upper being hooked near its extremity. Their nostrils, situated towards 

 the middle of the upper mandible, are narrow slits. These are all cowardly 

 but voracious birds, generally seen flying about near the shore, feeding upon 

 fish or any dead carcases they may happen to meet with. They make iheir 

 nests in the sand or in the clefts of rocks, and lay but few eggs. Sometimes 

 they are found at a considerable distance inland, which is regarded as a sign 

 of bad weather. 



