Vou. II, Pr. IT] LOOMIS—A REVIEW OF THE TUBINARES 135 
It is believed that the February birds are early breeders and 
therefore early in their migration and, with individual excep- 
tions, in their moulting. Outdoor study will throw further 
light on these matters. 
The single March specimen, obtained on the 8th, displays no 
obvious signs of feather growth in progress. 
As in Cooper’s Shearwater, April specimens of the Sooty 
Shearwater are later in their moulting than the February ones. 
Of eight showing definite feather restoration, only five are re- 
placing their primaries. The usual individuality is manifested. 
A specimen taken on the 8th is renewing the three inner 
primaries on the left wing, and the two inner ones on the right, 
not counting the remicle. A specimen obtained on the 25th 
has made a slight advance and is renewing the three inner 
primaries on the left wing and the four inner ones on the right. 
In three specimens secured on the 29th, one is renewing the 
three inner primaries on both wings and two, the seven inner 
primaries. One of the last two specimens is also acquiring a 
new rectrix, the only instance of tail renewal in the entire April 
series. In some individuals, the primaries and other plumage 
are in relatively good condition, but worn and faded feathers 
are not wanting here and there to mark such birds as old ones, 
probably late in completing their previous moult. 
May specimens show irregular advancement in their moult- 
ing. Of twelve captured on the 6th, eight have cast from three 
to five of the innermost primaries, and four, none of them; in 
three instances the greater and lesser wing-coverts are in- 
volved. Of five specimens taken on the 8th, one is in worn garb 
with no obvious feather replacement under way, while two are 
at the other extreme, being well along in the postnuptial moult, 
the foremost retaining only the first of its old primaries. Three 
of the 13th and two each of the 15th and 18th are as backward 
as those of the 6th. One of the 21st is in fine plumage with no 
dilapidated feathers betraying age, albeit it possesses some 
feathers still in the sheath, including four rectrices. In con- 
trast, is a worn bird of the 24th with all its old primaries in 
place. As a whole, the remaining May specimens (four se- 
cured on the 21st, two on the 23rd, six on the 24th, and two 
each on the 27th, 28th, 29th, and 31st) show advance over 
