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Synopsis of the Birds 
processes ; lower mandible smooth, end distinct, compressed 
and truncated at tip, internally on each side with a ser- 
rated, sharp process : nostrils in the furrow, distant from the 
base, separate, covered on the sides, open before ; tubes very 
short, subconical, wider before than behind, lying on the 
sides of the bill ; tongue very short, fleshy, truncated at tip. 
Head large ; eyes large, near the top : neck short, stout : 
body massive. Feet short, robust : tarsus one fourth shorter 
than the middle toe ; toes very long ; the middle one sub- 
equal to the outer ; inner shortest ; the lateral edged ex- 
teriorly by a narrow membrane ; webs full, entire ; no rudi- 
ment of hind toe nor nail: nails short, obtuse. Wings very 
long, very narrow : quills short ; secondaries hardly reach- 
ing beyond their coverts. Tail moderate, rounded, of four- 
teen feathers. 
Female similar to the male. Young differing much from 
the adult. Moult twice a year, without changing their colors. 
The largest of marine birds. 
Notwithstanding their strength and gigantic stature, very 
cowardly ; escape from the attacks of other birds, even 
considerably weaker, by descending rapidly and settling in 
the sea ; even the Gulls in small parties incessantly attack 
and harass them. Voracious beyond conception. Feed on 
fishes, especially of the flying kind, on mollusca, and above 
all, gelatinous animals. Gorging themselves to such a degree 
as to be often unable either to fly or swim, being sometimes 
seen with large fishes partly hanging out of their mouth, 
partly swallowed, in which state their feathered enemies 
compel them to disgorge their food, and they may be caught 
by hand. Build with clay a rounded nest two or three feet 
high : eggs very large, numerous for the family. Fly skim- 
ming the water, soaring to the high regions of the atmosphere 
during strong gales and stormy weather only. Venturing 
great distances from land, occasionally compelled to seek re- 
pose, and even to sleep on the sea, or on the rigging of vessels. 
