MAJAQUEUS ^QUINOCTIALIS. 



Among the best-known breeding places are the Auckland Isles, the Crozets, and 

 Kerguelen Island. In the latter place Mr. Eaton found M. cequinoctialis in holes, 

 similar to those of a rabbit, on the sloping sides of a hill, frequently containing an 

 inch or two of water at the entrance. The nesting-chamber is spherical in shape and 

 rather large ; the nest itself is composed of mud and pieces of plants arranged in the form 

 of an inverted saucer, three or four inches high, slightly hollowed out on the top, a 

 space being left between its base and the sides of the chamber. 



A single smooth white egg is laid, nearly equally pointed at both ends, and measuring 

 about 3.2 by 2.1 inches. Both sexes take part in the incubation, the males by day and 

 the females by night. During the period previous to nesting, the birds make an 

 extraordinary cackling noise in their burrows at night, and the sound of approaching 

 footsteps or other disturbance will cause them to renew it during the daytime. When 

 dug out from their nest, if handled, the birds utter a high-pitched cry, and frequently 

 inflict a severe wound with their beak and claws. They make no attempt to fly, unless 

 chased, but after waddling about, return to the burrow and commence scratching 

 away the obstruction at the entrance which has blocked it, taking but little notice of 

 strangers so long as they remain quiet. 



Adult. General colour above and below sooty-brown, a little lighter on the 

 under-surface ; quills and tail-feathers blacker ; a triangular spot of white on the chin. 

 Total length about 22 inches; culmen, 2.1; wing, 14.2; tail, 4.5; tarsus, 2.35; 

 middle toe and claw, 3.1. 



The bird described is in our collection from the Cape of Good Hope, that figured 

 is from Valparaiso, obtained by Dr. Coppinger. 



173 



