k 
along the equator, but their scarcity east of the grid during the present 
cruise indicates that this may not be true. The few recorded this trip 
were all considered to be Leach*s. 
Red-tailed Tropicbird No. of Birds Recorded: 9 
(Phaethon rubricauda ) 
This species was recorded fairly commonly on two days: on 9 October 
four were seen at about roughly 1 ^° 30 *N, and on 12 October four others 
were recorded throughout the day (noon position: ca_. 3 °N). Both areas 
are far removed from land and thus no clue is offered as to the birds* 
origins. Two birds were observed feeding over Pilot Whales ( Globice - 
phala ) on 12 October. 
White-tailed Tropicbird No. of Birds Recorded: 9 
( Phaethon lepturus ) 
A few scattered sightings were recorded throughout the cruise and 
probably represent individuals of both northern and southern populations. 
The large Samoan Islands population has apparently finished breeding and 
left the area. Practically none was seen about either American Samoa or 
Upolu, Western Samoa. At other times of year this is one of the con¬ 
spicuous and abundant species on both these islands. 
Blue-faced Booby No. of Birds Recorded: 13 
(Sula dactylatra ) 
All 13 birds were recorded at ca. 10 to 15 miles southeast of McKean 
on 31 October. 
Brown Booby No. of Birds Recorded: k 
(Sula leucogaster ) 
One adult was noted just south of Oahu on 7 October; three other 
adults noted in a huge mixed feeding flock over tuna about 11 miles SE 
of McKean. 
Red-footed Booby No. of Birds Recorded: 183 
(Sula sula ) 
One-hundred sixty-four (90 percent of total sightings) were recorded 
on 7 October ? the first day south of Oahu. The vast majority of these 
were in mixed (Common Noddy, Wedge-tail) feeding flocks. The species 
was not recorded again until sunset on 11 October (6°N) when five im- 
matures and one adult paced the ship for a few miles making unsuccessful 
attempts to land. Usually a few were noted daily thereafter until 31 
October, south of McKean. 
