Sabine's xeme. 



179 



first produced, are mottled with brown and dull yel- 

 low. Little is known of the manners of these birds, 

 but they fly with impetuosity towards persons ap- 

 proaching their nests and young ; and when one bird 

 of a pair was killed, its mate, though frequently fired 

 at, continued on wing close to the spot where it lay. 

 They procure their food on the sea-beach, standing 

 near the water's edge, and picking up the marine 

 insects which are cast on shore. 



