BIRDS OF TASMANIA. 163 



Breeding Season. In all probability similar to that of other 

 Storm- Petrels. 



Geographical Distribution. Soas of Tasmania, Australia, New 

 Zealand, and Southern Ocean in general, and northwards off the 

 coast of Africa and in the Indian Ocean. 



Observations. Gould met with this species on several occasions 

 in Australian 'waters. He found it very abundant in the South 

 Pacific and Indian Oceans, especially off the islands of St. Paul 

 and Amsterdam. 



Dr. Edward Wilson states that during the voyage of the 

 Discovery the species was constantly seen in the South Atlantic 

 during September and October. 



Practically nothing is known of the general habits of the Black- 

 bellied Storm-Petrel. 



*WHITE-BELLIED STORM-PETREL 



(Cymodroma grallaria, Vieill.), 



Male. The upper surface resembles that of the Black-bellied 

 Storm-Petrel save that the dorsal feathers have hoary-white mar- 

 gins ; breast and abdomen pure white ; under tail coverts black, 

 lightly fringed with white. Dimensions in mm.: Length, 175; 

 bill, 12; wing, 165; tail, 78; tarsus, 35. 



Female. Similar in plumage to male. 



Nest and Eggs. Unknown. 



Breeding Season. Unknown. 



Geographical Distribution. Seas of Tasmania, Australia, 

 Southern Ocean in general, and northwards to off the coast of 

 Florida. 



Observations. This species is described as being scarce in 

 Australian waters. Dr. E. A. Wilson observed several in the wake 

 of the Discovery in the Southern Indian Ocean, but none in the 

 South Pacific or Atlantic. He records having seen them "drop- 

 ping to touch the water with one foot and steadying themselves 

 while they daintily took their minute crustacean food from the 

 surface of the water." 



FAMILY-PUFFINID/E (21 species). 



WEDGE-TAILED PETREL 



(Puffinus chlororhynchus , Less.) 



Male. Upper surface sooty -brown; tail black; primaries and 

 secondaries blackish-brown; throat ashy-grey; remainder of the 

 under surface, including under tail coverts, dull ashy -brown ; bill, 

 legs, and feet yellowish flesh colour. Dimensions in mm. : 

 Length, 445; bill, 41; wing, 295; tail, 131; tarsus, 48. 

 Female. Similar to male. 



