200 GAME BIRDS AND WILD FOWL. 



and underlying markings of gray. They measure on an average 

 II inch in length by '82 inch in breadth. The male, as in the 

 preceding species, performs the duties of incubation, and takes 

 the greatest share in bringing up the brood. When the breeding 

 place is invaded the birds leave their nests and settle on the 

 adjoining pools, displaying httle concern for their safety. As 

 soon as the young are reared the birds of a colony (for many 

 nests are often made within a small area) betake themselves to 

 the sea, and as autumn advances the southern movements are 

 commenced. Only one brood is reared in the season. 



Diagnostic Characters.— -f/w/ara/z/j, with the bill tapering 

 from the base to the tip and less than one inch in length. Length, 

 7 inches. 



