402 



ORNITHOLOGY. 



8. Genus THALASSIDROMA, Vii/ors, Zool. Journ. II, p. 405 (1825). 



1. Thalassideoma Wilsonii {Bonaparte). — Wilson's Stormy Petrel, 



Mother Carey's Chicken, 



Procellarla Wihonii, BoNAP. Jour. Acad. Philada. Ill, p. 231 (1824). 

 " Procellaria pelagka," Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, p. 90. 



Wilson, Am. Orn. VII, Plate LX, fig. 6 ; And. B. of Am. Plate 

 CCLXX; oct. ed. VII, Plate CCCCLX. 



This little bird and other species very similar in general appearance 

 are of extensive diffusion, and are known to seamen as Stormy Petrels 

 and Mother Carey's Chickens. The present species is abundant 

 throughout almost the whole coast of the continent of America on the 

 Atlantic, and is known also on the coasts of Europe, thus ranging over 

 nearly the entire extent of the Atlantic Ocean. It has been observed 

 also in the Pacific, and is given by Mr. Gould as a bird of the coast of 

 Australia. 



This species is frequently mentioned by the naturalists of the Ex- 

 pedition as occurring at various points, and we find in the collection 

 numerous specimens. Through the kindness of Dr. Pickering, we are 

 enabled to introduce the following note on this bird from his Journal, 

 for which as well as many other favors we beg leave to express our 

 deep sense of obligation. It occurs under date of October 24th, 1838, 

 and, from the latitude and longitude given, the nearest land was the 

 coast of Africa : 



" A Stormy Petrel taken, which proved to be Thalassidroma 

 Wilsonii; and, although this species and others of its genus have been 

 constantly seen during the voyage of the Expedition, this is the first 

 specimen that has been captured without having been injured, thus 

 affording whatever facilities can be obtained on shipboard for observ- 

 ing its manners. 



" I was rather surprised to observe that this bird was not only 

 entirely incapable of perching, but even of standing upright like birds 

 in general, and as I have seen birds of this genus represented, unless 

 by the aid of its wings. In standing or rather sitting, the whole of 

 the tarsus (commonly mistaken for the leg), rests on the ground, and 



