32 



ELEMBIfTS OF OBNITHOLOGT. 



distinct form called a Diving Petrel (Pelecanoides urinatrLv) is^ 

 found in Kerguelen Land. The largest of the group isthel 

 Albatross (Biomedea exulans), a great wandering species, the 

 largest of all Water Birds. Its home is in the Southern Hemi- 

 sphere, but it has been taken in Europe. Its enormously long 

 wings and its habit of sailing without flapping them for a 

 long period are well known. There are some ten species of 

 Albatross. 



Another wandering oceanic creature is the Frigate-bird 



Kg. 31. 



The Frigate-bird {Tachypetes aqiiila). 



(Tachypetes aquila), which has in some respects the aspect of a 

 bird of prey of the Hawk or Eagle kind, with a powerful hooked ' 

 beak and a long, forked tail. It has, however, marvellously 

 long wings and very small feet, and is believed to have the most 

 powerful flight to be met with in the class of Birds. It soars to 

 great heights. Erigate-birds are great persecutors of others, 

 pursuing Terns and Gannets, forcing them to disgorge a fish 

 they may have captured, and catching it as it falls. They are 

 often called " Men-of-war Birds." They range the ocean in all 



