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Abstract

abstract

Observation on seabirds at Gough Island (40 �扴, 9�'W) were made from 13 October to 11 November, 1973. A chick of the Atlantic Petrel, Pterodroma incerta, was collected and is described. Chicks of this species have not been recorded previously. A nest of the Giant-petrel was found at which an adult male was guarding a chick. Giant-petrels at Gough Island combine characteristics of Macronectes giganteus (green bill tips) and M. halli (breeding relatively early in sheltered localities and attending ships at anchor). The head and nape of nesting Yellow-nosed Albatrosses, Diomedea chlororhynchos, appeared darker than indicated by most descriptions of the bird. Cape Pigeons, Daption capense, were seen on eight occasions from M.V. RSA near the island. Evidence is provided for a pre-egglaying exodus of the Greater Shearwater, Puffinus gravis. Incidental observations are included on Rockhopper Penguins, Eudyptes chrysocome, Sooty Albatrosses, Phoebetria fusca, Broad-billed Prions, Pachyptila vittata, and Southern Skuas, Stercorarius skua.