SWIMMERS. 
276 
is abundant along the eastern side of the Atlantic, and is said to 
breed on some of the islands lying off the west coast of Africa. 
It is described as a stupid bird, offering no resistance when 
taken from the nest, and as appearing dazed and almost helpless 
when placed on the land. The flight of the bird is strong and 
graceful, and Audubon says it can dive and swim with the ease of 
cl 13uck» 
There are conflicting statements regarding the nocturnal habits of 
the species, some observers representing them as feeding througli 
the day, while others think that during the day these birds are in- 
active and silent, resting upon the water, usually far out from the 
land, and very rarely feeding ; but at night tliey are actively occu- 
pied in catching and devouring fish, and at that time their mournful 
cry is continually in the air. There is good reason for believing that 
both statements are correct, — that these birds feed in the daytime 
when food is abundant, but that they are generally more active after 
sunset. 
]SioxE. — The Manx Shearwater (/". pufflnus), which breeds 
on the coast of England, is credited with appearing occasionally 
near to our coast. 
