25. CYMODROMA MGESTISSIMA {Salvin). 



(SAMOAN STORM-PETREL.) 



(Plate 20.) 



Fregetta mcestissima, Salvin, P. Z. S., 1879, p. 130 ; Wiglesw., Aves Polyn., p. 79 (1891). 

 Cymodroma mcestissima, Salvin, Cat. Birds Brit. Mus., XXV., p. 367 (1896). 



Fuliginosa, concolor : albedine nulla insignis. 



The uniformity of colour is the distinguishing character of this Storm-Petrel, which 

 fact Salvin emphasized by the specific name he bestowed on it. The type-specimen was 

 sent to us from the Samoan Islands by the Rev. T. Powell, who states that it is found 

 on all the islands of the group. The native name is said to be " Seu-ta-peau." 



It must be a species difficult to procure, for, so far as I know, no second specimen 

 has been secured since Salvin described the type, nearly thirty years ago. 



The following is Salvin's description in the " Catalogue of Birds " (p. 367) : — 



Adult : Sooty-black, nearly uniform, the wings and tail a little blacker ; no white 

 markings whatever ; bill and legs black. My measurements of the type differ slightly 

 from those of Salvin, being as follows : — Total length, about 9.5 inches ; wing, 8.3 ; 

 culmen, 0.7 ; tarsus, 1.85 ; middle toe and claw, 1.35. 



The figure in the Plate has been drawn from the type-specimen now in the British 

 Museum. 



71 



