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it is an expert diver and disappears in the water for long periods it is
locally named ‘dubki’.
(2)OrderProcellariiformes.—Thisorderincludes oceanic birds like
Shearwaters, Petrels and Storm Petrels. All these are distinguished by their
tubular nostrils and the three fully webbed front toes. They have long
pointed wings, and are powerful fliers. Their colours are either black, grey
or white. They feed mainly on fish
Two families occur in Maharashtra: (1) Procellariidae represented by
Audubon's Shearwater Procellaria Iherminieri and the Black Petrel
Bulweria aterrima, and (2) Hydrobatidae represented by Wilson’s Petrel
Oceanites oceanicus, a specimen of which was obtained from Bombay
harbour in 1947.
(3) Order Pelecaniformes.—This order comprises five families of
fish-eating birds characterised by having four toes connected by a web.
These birds have a world-wide distribution. Tropic birds and frigate birds
are found only in tropical oceans while pelicans, cormorants and darters
frequent inland waters.
Family Phaethontidae—Tropic birds: Three species have been
recorded in India of which one is found in Maharashtra, namely the shorttailed
tropic bird (Phaëthon aethereus)—Tropic birds are seldom seen near
the coast and are really wanderers of the high seas. They can hover
motionless and then dive from great heights for fish and squid. Their
nearest breeding ground in India is the Persian Gulf area. The long pointed
wings and the two elongated tail feathers are diagnostic features. Their
colours are mainly white and brown.
Family Pelecanidae—Pelicans: Pelicans are large swimming birds
with an enormous pouch which is useful for catching fish in the water. In
the wild state they are hardly ever seen in Maharashtra and have only once
been recorded from Pandharpur, Sholapur District, in the cold weather.
Family Sulidae—Boobies: Boobies are large-sized birds with long
bills, webbed feet and long wings. They are generally black and white in
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