HABITS AND HOME OF THE WANDERING ALBATROSS. 337 
by the old bird led almost up to the nest, from a distance of 
twelve yards, and on the other side there was another “ run” not 
so long. I have seen many similar “runs’’ made by Redshanks 
and Water Rails. As I was anxious to identify the eggs beyond 
all doubt, we retired to some distance, and after some time had 
the pleasure of seeing the Reeve return to the nest. 
THE HABITS AND HOME OF THE WANDERING 
ALBATROSS, DIOMEDEA EXULANS.* 
By A. Reiscuex, F.L.S. 
Tus noble bird may justly be called the king among the sea- 
birds. Many times during my sea-voyages have I admired its 
flight and easy sailing over the waves, as it followed our vessel, 
hundreds of miles from the nearest land. Its power of flight 
surpasses that of most birds, and is easily accounted for by the 
unusual development of the muscles of the breast and wings, 
the latter being equal to, if not stronger than, those of the eagle. 
It is worthy of remark that the quills of the wing are spread or 
brought close together according as the bird is rising or falling 
in its flight. The steering is done not with the tail alone, but 
also with the broad webbed feet. These, when a straight course 
is being followed, are stretched out, and nearly concealed under 
the tail; but when a quick turn is required their position is 
altered, and the webs are spread in such a manner as to greatly 
assist the bird in turning. When there is little wind and the 
ocean is calm, Albatrosses have great difficulty in-rising from the 
water ; when there is a swell they run along the water and rise 
with a wave. When alighting, on nearing the surface they bend 
the head back, curve the wings upwards, beating the air with 
numerous laboured strokes, then, straightening their feet, they 
let themselves fall. They are fast swimmers, but cannot dive. 
Their food, which consists chiefly of some of the lower forms of 
marine life found floating on the surface of the ocean, they scoop 
up with their bill in the same manner as Ducks. 
* From the ‘Transactions of the New Zealand Institute,’ vol. xxi. (May, 
1889), pp. 126—128. 
ZOOLOGIST.—SEPT. 1889. 2D 
