PLATE VII. 



SULA CYAN OPS (Sundevall). 

 MASKED G AN NET. Gems: Si la. 



f I ^HIS variety, though not the largest of the tribe, is of much greater size than either of the species 

 already described. It is met with most frequently on the far northern coasts and islands of Australia 

 and its definite classification as a distinct species is principally due to the information collected by the 

 captain and officers of H.M.S. "Fly," who combined much useful scientific research with their work of 

 surveying the waters of Torres Straits. They found the Masked Gannet in greatest abundance on Raine's 

 Island, where large numbers were found breeding. The bird has also been met with occasionally oft' the 

 shores of Tasmania and Eastern Australia ; its methods of procuring food, nidification, etc., resemble in the 

 main those of other members of the genus. 



The eggs are white or bluish-white, with reddish-brown or black stains, tine lines and spots ; 

 when first laid they are apparently of a milky-white colour. The shell is very rough and linn' on the 

 outside. The average size of an egg is two inches and five-eighths by one inch and three-quarters. 



There is no difference in the outward appearance of the sexes. 



Primaries, secondaries, greater wing-coverts, tertiaries, the lateral feathers of the tail, and the 

 tips of the two large central tail feathers are a rich brown. With these exceptions, the remainder of 

 the plumage is pure, dazzling white; bill, yellow; base of the bill, lead-coloured; irides, bright yellow: 

 legs and feet, greyish green. 



Length, 29 inches; bill, 5 inches: wing, 16^ inches; tail, 8h inches: tarsi, 2^ inches. 



Habitats : Raine's Island, Lord Howe's Island, the Admiralty Islets, and on the coasts of 

 Northern Australia. 



