DPL^TIE XXIY. 



GENUS NECTRIS (Bonaparte). 



THE members of this genus are distinguished from the other Petrels by their short tails, duskiness 

 of plumage and width of wings. Two representatives visit Australia and its neighbouring islands 

 for breeding purposes. 



NECTRIS CARNEIPES (Gould). 



FLESHY-FOOTED PETREL. Genus : Nectris. 



ri^HIS variety does not roam so far seaward as most of the other Petrels. It is frequently met with 

 J- along - the south-western and southern coasts of Australia, and breeds on the mainland and on the 

 small islands along those parts. 



Except that it does not venture to such great distances to sea, the Fleshy-footed Petrel 

 resembles those already described in its general habits, modes of obtaining food, etc. 



The sexes have the same outward appearance. 



A single egg only is laid, two inches and seven-eighths long by about two inches wide. 



The whole of the plumage is a rich warm black ; bill, fleshy horn-colour ; the tips of both 

 mandibles a dark brown ; a narrow blue line encircling the eye ; legs, feet and interdigital membranes, 

 yellowish flesh-colour ; toes, brown. 



Length, 15 inches; bill, L| inch; wing, 12 inches; tarsi, 2 inches. 



GENUS THIELLUS (Gloger). 



S 



OME confusion exists as to the classification of the members of this genus, but the following 

 representative of it is certainly found in Australian seas. 



THIELLUS SPHENURUS {Gould). 



WEDGE-TAILED PETREL. Genus : Thiellus. 



PECIMENS of this variety have been obtained from such various localities that it is proved to 

 inhabit various points of the southern and parts of the western coasts of Australia. On the latter 

 it was procured by Gilbert on the Houtniann's Abrolhos, and on many of the small islands adjacent thereto. 



A single egg is laid, which is two inches and three-quarters long by one and three-quarters 

 wide. The nest is placed in a burrow which is hollowed out by the bird for a considerable distance 

 on the side of a sandy bank. 



