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Gen . Ch a r. B i l l shorter than the head; much compressed in front o f the nasal sheath, with
the tip o f the upper mandible suddenly curving and hooking downwards, and that o f the
lower one slightly angulate,d and following the curve o f the upper. N o s tr ils contained in
one tube or sheath, but showing two distinct orifices in front. Wings long and acuminate,
with the first quill shorter than the third, the second being the longest. T a il square or
slightly forked. L e g s having the tarsi rather long and slender, reticulated. Feet o f three
toes, united b y a m embrane; hind toe represented by a small, straight, dependent nail.
FO R K -T A I L E D STORM PE TRE L .
Thalassidroma Leachii.
Le Petrel de Leach.
T he first discovery of this Petrel in Europe is due to the researches of Mr. Bullock, who, in the year 1818,
while on a tour through the northern and western isles of Scotland, found it breeding on the island of St.
Kilda, whence he brought the original specimen from which M. Temminck took his description. In his
‘ Manuel d’ Ornithologies under the article alluded to, he dedicates the bird to Dr. Leach by the title of
Procellaria Leachii. Since the period of its first discovery, when it appeared to be a bird of extreme rarity,
it has been found, and that not unfrequently, on most parts of the British coast, and in the channel intervening
between our island and the Continent.
In its habits, manners, food, and nidification it so strictly resembles the Common Storm Petrel that the same
description will serve for both. It differs from that bird, as also from all other European Storm Petrels, in
being one of the largest in size, in having a forked tail, and remarkably short tarsi.
The colour of the plumage is a sooty black, with the under tail-coverts and a patch on the rump white.
COMMON STORM P E T R E L .
Thalassidroma pelagica, Selby.
Le Petrel tempête.
T his, the least of web-footed birds, though by no means the least important, has been long celebrated by the
name of “ Mother Carey’s Chicken,” bestowed upon it by the British sailors, as the foreboder of storm and
tempest to the mariner.
The habits and manners of this singular group of birds may be described as being both nocturnal and
oceanic. During tbe bright glare of day they conceal themselves in the crevices of rocks, stones, &c., from
whence they depart on the approach of evening, and skim over the surface of the sea in search of food :
approaching storms and dull murky weather also rouse them from their retreats to visiLtheir congenial
element ; hence it is that when seen at a distance from the shore they intimate the approach of gales and
severe weather. When out at sea they appear partial to the company of ships, which they follow for days
together, and, surprising to say, are never seen to settle on the water ; in fact, the only period of rest they
appear to allow their organs of flight is while, with extended wing, they skim, half flying half tripping, over the
surface of the billows ; and it would appear as if the bones of the legs were expressly formed for this manoeuvre,
being sufficiently flexible to bend without breaking to any opposing pressure or sudden concussion. While
skimming around ships they pick up any refuse oily matters that may be thrown overboard, and also any of
the small mollusca that may be brought to the surface by the agitation o f the water which the vessel occasions
in her progress.
The Common Storm Petrel is abundant over the whole of the northern seas of Europe, especially in the
rocky islands of Scotland, where it breeds in the crevices of rocks, among loose stones, and occasionally in
holes on the ground, generally laying a single egg of a pure white. The young remain in their retreats
until their pinions are sufficiently strong for flight, and it is a considerable period before they are able to
follow their parents.
The adults of both sexes are alike in plumage, which is invariably of a sooty black, with a white spot on the
rump ; the bill and tarsi black.
We have figured an adult of each species, of the natural size.