DP Hi -A^T IE 



GENUS DIOMEDEA (Linnaus). 



ri^HE few known species of this form of the above-named genus are the largest of the ocean 

 J- haunting birds, and are met with in both southern and northern latitudes. It is probable, 

 indeed, that they circumnavigate the globe in their wanderings, as, although always more numerous 

 in the higher latitudes, they are frequently met in intermediate places. 



DIOMEDEA MELANOPHEYS (Temminch). 



BLA CK-E YEBRO WED A LB A TROS. Genus : Diomedea. 



FAMILIAR to every voyager to Australia by its numbers and utter absence of fear displayed in 

 approaching to close quarters, the Black-eyebrowed Albatros is considered the most common of 

 the species that range over the vast extent of the southern ocean, and it is but rarely that a ship after 

 reaching the 35th degree of south latitude is not accompanied in her course by many of these birds, 

 and in lowering and stormy weather the snowy whiteness of their under plumage is pourtrayed with 

 startling distinctness against the murky and sombre clouds that encompass the vessel. So fearless of 

 the presence of man is this species that often, when captured and landed on the deck, whence it is 

 unable to rise again, it readily submits to be handled without displaying either irritation or timidity^ 

 and could an adequate supply of its natural food be procured' it is probable that the bird would 

 resign itself to a state of captivity and become as domesticated as some of the Gulls. 



Captain Hutton states that this species is possessed of diving powers, which are occasionally 

 exercised when the presence of any particularly appetising morsel is revealed under the surface of the 

 water; but being of a piratical nature, the bird generally prefers to allow a Night Hawk (Great Grey 

 Petrel) to seize the substance first, and then with fierce eye, outstretched wings, and making a hoarse 

 croaking noise, it runs along the sea in chase and forces him to relinquish the prize and seizes it in 

 his powerful beak ere it sinks. By seamen this bird is called the " Molly Hawk." 



There is little or no outward difference in the plumage of the sexes ; nor does it appear to 

 vary in this respect from youth to maturity. Gould, however, states that a reliable mark by which a 

 fully matured bird may be distinguished exists : In the young bird the bill is always a dark brown, 

 while in the adult it is a bright yellow ; and in the same flight may be seen individuals in which that 

 organ varies from a very dark brown to a most beautiful yellow. 



In general habits, nidification, etc., this species resembles the Wandering Albatros. 



The head, neck and all the under surface, white ; before, above and behind the eye, a 

 beautiful streak of blackish-grey in the exact shape of an eyebrow ; wings, dark brown ; centre of the 



