Vol. II, Pt. I] GIFFORD— BIRDS OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 101 



27. The nests rested on the tops of small shrubs (Sesuvium) 

 and were made of the dried stems of those plants. At the 

 same time on the neighboring Gardner Island there was a 

 small colony nesting in some bushes on the side of a cliff on 

 the north side of the island. The nests were built of twigs 

 and contained downy young. 



On Brattle Island, October 30, they were likewise found 

 nesting in low bushes. The nests were built of twigs and 

 contained only well-feathered young. 



In early February the Man-o'-war Birds were just begin- 

 ning to nest again on southeast Hood. As in the preceding 

 September, the nests were placed on the tops of small shrubs 

 about six inches above the ground. Many nests were almost 

 touching each other, so close together were they built. At 

 this time nesting had evidently only begun, for we saw a male 

 carrying nesting material, and all the eggs observed were 

 fresh. Males as well as females were sitting on the nests, 

 many of the former having their bright red pouches distended. 

 The majority of the males were in the iridescent black plum- 

 age. When sitting on the nest, the male often gives a call, 

 which resembles a chuckling laugh, I have never heard this 

 call except in the mating season. Both males and females on 

 the nest were silent when approached, but often defended 

 their homes quite vigorously, using their bills with telling 

 effect. During our February visit a pair were observed in the 

 act of coition on the nest, the male balancing himself quite 

 adroitly. 



A very small young one in the down was taken on Enderby 

 Island on May 14. 



On our third visit to Hood Island in the latter part of 

 June, a great many young which had just left the nest were 

 observed, all having pale brownish heads and necks and white 

 under parts. These were undoubtedly hatched from the eggs 

 laid in February. A good-sized flock of young birds re- 

 mained constantly over us, without beating their wings, as 

 we sailed along the coast, keeping the decks of the schooner 

 spattered with their droppings. On the southeast part of 

 the island we found a good many nests which contained 

 young still in the down. One youngster was being cared for 

 by a Peruvian Booby. Of the Man-o'-war Birds, males as 



