59 



the name of "Mother Carey's Chickens" and their appearance is said to 

 presage a storm. In spite of their diminutive size they are met with far 

 out at sea and are seldom seen by the longshoreman except in the vicinity 

 of their breeding grounds. 



Economic Status. The Petrels though feeding on fish are too small 

 and their regular habitat is too far removed from man's usual activities 

 to be of measurable economic importance. 



106. Leach's Petrel, fe. — le petrel de leach. Oceanodroma leueorhoa. L, 8. 

 A small, sooty-brown bird, very slightly lighter below, with a white rump. Tail forked 

 about one-half an inch deep. 



Distinctions. Forking of the tail, sUghtly lighter general coloration, and all black 

 feet will separate this from Wilson's Petrel, the only one likely to be confused with it. 



Field Marks. The sUght forking of the tail is perhaps the surest specific guide in Ufe. 



Nesting. In burrows in the ground or imder rocks. 



Distribution. Inhabits both the north Pacific and north Atlantic oceans, breeding 

 on the eastern side of the continent, from Greenland to Maine. 



This is the only Petrel breeding on our coasts. It may be locally very 

 abundant in the nesting season and its burrows may riddle the ground 

 without the observer having a suspicion of its presence. It remains in its 

 burrow through the day, but at night comes out in great numbers, wheeling 

 about the deserted neighbourhood, uttering a low, wierd oft repeated httle 

 song with most eerie effect. 



Economic Status. Of no economic importance. 



109. Wilson's Petrel, mother caret's chicken, er. — le petbel de wilson. 

 Oceanites oceanicus. L, 7. A shghtly smaller bird than J^each's Petrel, of same general 

 colour but averaging slightly darker, less forked tail, and with toe webs mostly yellow 

 instead of all black. 



Distinctions. Smaller size, slightly darker coloration, square instead of forked tail, 

 and the yellow foot webs will separate this Petrel from Leach's. The Stormy Petrel also 

 is said to occur off the Atlantic coast, but is too rare to be considered here. Unimpeachable 

 evidence of its occurrence is desirable. It is recognizable by having the white rump feathers 

 tipped with black. 



Field Marks. Square instead of slightly forked tail is probably the most reliable 

 guide to the specific identity of this Petrel in life, but accurate observation is necessary 

 to make the distinction. 



Nesting. In ground burrows or rook crevices. 



Distribution. From the Antarctic to Labrador and to the British Isles across the 

 Atlantic. 



Wilson's Petrel is notable as being one of the very few North American 

 species that nest at the southern end of their migratory range. Hence 

 individuals seen here in the summer time are migrants and do not breed. 



Order — S teganopod es . 

 Totipalmate Swimmers. Full-webbed Swimmers. 



General Description. Birds with webs between all fom' toes, making three webs in- 

 stead of the usual two as in other orders (Figure 6, p. 19). 

 Distinctions. The feet characters are always distinctive. 



Canadian Totipalmates are divided into three families: Sulidoe, the 

 Gannets; Phalacrocoracidce, the Cormorants; and Pelecanidce, the Pelicans. 

 There are other families that have occurred or may occur accidentally 

 in Canada but are too rare to be included here. 

 57172—5 



