PLATE IXXXI 



GENUS MAJAOUEUS (Rekhenbach). 



SOME difference exists between ornithologists in regard to the single member of this genus, Gould 

 being of the opinion that it is distinct from the ProceUaria JEquinoctialis of Linnaeus, the which, 

 although greatly resembling and closely allied to this species, has not the broad white mark around the 

 eve — one of this bird's distinguishing features. 



MAJAQUEUS CONSPIGILLATUS (Gould). 



SPECTACLED PETREL. Genus: Majaqueus. 



THE peculiar markings on the head of this member of the Petrel family render the bird very 

 conspicuous, and its individuality is especially noticeable when in the company of other winged 

 roamers of the sea, hovering about the ship and alighting upon the water to examine or secure any 

 object that has been cast overboard. 



Although somewhat of a timid nature, and not generally venturing in such close proximity to 

 ships as many other members of the family, the impulse of curiosity to examine strange objects floating 

 astern will frequently lead it to become a prey to the bird fisher, who is the more tempted to effect a 

 capture by the bold markings of the head and face — from which the name of Spectacled Petrel 

 arises — arousing his particular interest. 



Dead whales, seals and mollusca generally are its food. 



The whole plumage is a heavy black, with the distinct and marked exception of the sides of 

 the face, chin, and a broad band which crosses the front of the crown, passes down before and beneath, 

 and then takes an upward curve at the back of the eye, being black ; sides of the mandibles and nostrils, 

 yellowish horn-colour ; culmen and tips of both mandibles, black ; legs, feet and toes, black. 



Habitats : From the cold latitudes about St. Paul's and Amsterdam Islands, and thence to 

 the southern coasts of Tasmania and New Zealand, it is very common, and an occasional wanderer may 

 be met with between the latter country and Cape Horn. 



