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BLACK-FOOTED ALBATROSS

81. Diomedea nigripes. 32 to 36 inches

This bird is of a uniform sooty brown color shading into whitish at the base of the bill, which is rounded. It is noted for its extended flights, following vessels day after day without any apparent period of rest.

Nest.– They lay a single white egg upon the ground (4.00 × 2.40).

SHORT-TAILED ALBATROSS

82. Diomedea albatrus. 36 inches

This bird is much more shy than the former, and when following a vessel will keep a long distance behind in its search for food. With the exception of the primaries, which are black, as are also the shoulders and tail, the entire plumage is white, tinged with yellow on the back of the head.

Nest.– They breed on the islands in the North Pacific off the coast of Alaska. A single white egg is laid upon the bare ground or rocks.

Range.– Northern Pacific ocean in summer from Lower California to Alaska; most common in northern part of the range.

LAYSAN ALBATROSS

82.1. Diomedea immutabilis. 32 inches

These birds are white with the exception of the back, wings and tail, which are black; bill and feet yellow.

Nest.– Their single white egg is laid upon the ground or rocks (4.00 × 2.35).

Range.– This species breeds in large numbers on the island from which it takes its name – Layson Island, of the Hawaiian Group – appearing rarely off the coast of California.

YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS

83. Thalassogeron culminatus. 36 inches

This is a species which inhabits the South Pacific and Indian oceans and is said to occur rarely on the California coast. An egg in the collection of Col. John E. Thayer, Lancaster, Mass., was taken on Gough Island Sept. 1st, 1888. The nest was a mound of mud and grass about two feet high. The single white egg measured 3.75 × 2.25.

SOOTY ALBATROSS

84. Phœbetria palpebrata. 36 inches

This species is entirely sooty brown except the white rim around the eyelids. One white egg is laid (4.10 × 2.75).