94 
Genus IV. — PUFFINGS, Briss. SHEARWATER. 
Bill of the length of the head, rather slender, nearly as deep as broad at 
the base, much compressed toward the end, nearly straight, being slightly 
recurved, with the tips decurved ; upper mandible with the cere at the base, 
extending narrow to the nostrils, which are dorsal, each covered with a 
lateral convex plate, and opening anteriorly, with an elliptical aperture, dor- 
sal line as far as the nostrils nearly straight, then suddenly deflected, after- 
wards slightly concave, towards the end decurved, the ridge very broad and 
convex at the base, narrower beyond the nostrils, from which a groove runs 
obliquely on each side, sides convex, nearly erect, edges sharp, tip or unguis 
strong, decurved, much compressed, very acute ; lower mandible with the 
angle very long and narrow, the dorsal line beyond it decurved, the sides 
sloping outwards, the edges sharp and inflected, the unguis decurved, acute. 
Head rather large, oblong ; neck rather short ; body moderate. Feet rather 
large ; tibia bare for a short space below ; tarsus of moderate length, com- 
pressed, reticulated with angular scales ; hind toe obsolete, but with a small 
conical deflected claw ; fore toes long, slender, connected by webs ; outer 
toe slightly longer than third. Claws arched, compressed, acute. Plumage 
full, close, elastic, rather compact above. Wings very long, narrow, the 
first quill longest. Tail of moderate length, graduated, of twelve rounded 
feathers. 
