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.