68 
Distribution. The Fulmar is a bird of the north, breeding in high latitudes and 
migrating to our southern coasts. 
SUBSPECIES. Occurring on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts of our continent in 
different subspecific forms. The west coast form is the Pacific Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis 
glupischa. More often seen by sealers and whalers, the offal of whose trade attracts numb- 
ersof Fulmars, They are often seen by travellers in mid-ocean or off shore. 
Economic Status. Of no economic importance. 
Extralimital. The Slender-billed Fulmar , Priocella antarctica 
One taken in 1840 “A day’s sail from mouth of Columbia river.” It 
may at any time occur on our coast. It is similar to the Pacific Fulmar, 
but with shorter nasal tubes and with tubes and tip of bill black instead of 
light yellowish with rest of bill. 
Subfamily — Pufflninae. Shearwaters and Petrels 
General Description. Tube-nosed swimmers, 8 to 20 inches 
long. Even, sooty brown, or dark above and white below; 
one of the smaller species (Forked-tailed Petrel) ashy-coloured. 
Distinctions. Our species fall into two groups, (a) Shear- 
-waters, large, with bill considerably longer than that of the 
Fulmar (Figure 106, compare with Figure 105). (b) Petrels, 
small, with bill very similar to the Fulmar’s in outline, but 
much smaller. See headings Shearwater and Petrels (pages 68 
and 69). 
Shearwaters 
General Description. Large birds, 17 to 20 inches long. Solid dark brown coloration, 
or dark above and white below. 
Distinction. Bill stout. Nostril tubes not closely fused, but on either side of culmen, 
with space between as wide as, or wider than, nostril (Figure 106). 
Field Marks. Large size, solid dark coloration, or dark above and white below. The 
square or rounded tail and flight habits will distinguish it from the hawk-like Jaegers with 
long, graduated tail, which may; be similar in size or colour. Colour should separate it from 
the Fulmar which has similar size and flight. The long, narrow wings, held stiffly at right 
angles to the body, the rapid wing-strokes alternating with long glides, often of half a mile 
or more, are characteristics of these birds and the Fulmar. 
Nesting. Little is known of the nesting of the Shearwaters. Mostly in holes in the 
ground or crevices among rocks on isolated islets in the south seas. Migrate north in our 
Bummer. 
91. Pink-footed Shearwater. Pujjinus creatopus. L, 19. Dark brownish grey, 
to nearly black above, white below from vent to throat. 
Distinctions. Colour readily separates it from the dark-coloured Shearwaters. 
Field Marks. Extensive white colour below, larger than the Black-vented Shear- 
water. V 
Distribution. The western Pacific, south to Chile, breeding on Juan Fernandez island. 
This Shearwater has been taken at Forrester island, just north of the 
British Columbia boundary on the coast, and at sea off the southern end of 
Vancouver island. It is probably of only casual occurrence in Canadian 
waters. It should be identified with considerable caution. 
93. Black-vented Shearwater. Pufinus opisthomelas. L, 12. Piactically a 
smaller form of the Pink-footed Shearwater. Upper parts sooty grey to nearly black, 
lighter on head and neck, white below. 
Distinctions. To be confused only with Pink-footed Shearwater, but is a smaller bird 
and with greater contrast between upper and lower surfaces. 
Field Marks. Extensive white below. Smaller than the Pink-footed. 
Distribution. Pacific ocean, breeding off coast of Lower California and Mexico. 
