dible is strongly arched and pointed, and its superior edge near its commencement
projects slightly above the culmen; the latter is flat and separated
from the lateral portion of the mandible on each side by a distinct
longitudinal groove; the cutting edge of the lower mandible arched at the
point, but the point itself is not prolonged downwards below the lower
edge of the bill, in which respect it differs from several of the smaller
species, though not materially from some of them. Tarsi robust, and coated
with small flat scales, which are partly angular and partly rounded; the
latter are the smallest, and chiefly disposed posteriorly. Anterior toes
strong, each terminated by a long, slender, and slightly curved claw; a
short, strong, and somewhat cylindrical claw in the place of the hinder toe;
the anterior margin of web between outer and middle toe nearly truncate,
between the middle and inner oblique. Wing long, and when folded extends
about half an inch beyond the point of the ta il; the outer wing feather the
longest, and exceeds in length the second by nearly half an inch. Tail
rounded, the outermost feather of each side fully an inch shorter than the
middle ones.
DIMENSIONS.
from the tip of the bill to
Lines.
Length of the tarsus ...........
Inches. Lines.
....... 1 11
the point of the ta il..... . . . J 8 9 of the outer toe.............. ...... 2 1
of the bill from the gape .. 2 0 of the middle to e ..........
of the wings when folded.. ... 12 | of the inner toe..............
of the ta il..................... ..... 3 of the hinder toe .......... ...... o n
The colours of the plumage in the female are similar to those of the male.
In many respects this species has a strong resemblance to P ro c e lla r ia g la cia lis of authors,
but the greater length of its bill supplies an efficient diagnostic character by which it is to be
distinguished. Had the bill merely been longer, I should have hesitated before I considered it
distinct, as the degree of development of an organ is not to be made available as a specific
character. The length of the bill, however, is not only greater, but the thickness is also
different, being inferior to that of P . glacialis, and neither are ever otherwise in any individual
of the Cape species.
While the smaller Petrils almost constantly resort to the open sea, this species often hunts
for its food in the neighbourhood of the South African coasts, and even frequently enters the
bays, apparently for the same purpose. I t flies higher above the surface of the water than the
smaller species, rests more frequently, and seems well disposed to feed upon dead animal matter
when such can be obtained.