276 SWIMMERS. 



is abundant along the eastern side of the Atlantic, and is said to 

 breed on some of the islands lying off the west coast of Africa. 



It is described as a stupid bird, offering no resistance when 

 taken from the nest, and as appearing dazed and almost helpless 

 when placed on the land. The flight of the bird is strong and 

 graceful, and Audubon says it can dive and swim with the ease of 

 a Duck. 



There are conflicting statements regarding the nocturnal habits of 

 the species, some observers representing them as feeding through 

 the day, while others think that during the day these birds are in- 

 active and silent, resting upon the water, usually far out from the 

 land, and very rarely feeding ; but at night they are actively occu- 

 pied in catching and devouring fish, and at that time their mournful 

 cry is continually in the air. There is good reason for believing that 

 both statements are correct, — that these birds feed in the daytime 

 when food is abundant, but that they are generally more active after 

 sunset. 



Note. — The Manx Shearwater (P. puffinus), which breeds 

 on the coast of England, is credited with appearing occasionally 

 near to our coast. 



