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Beach patrols in New Zealand during 1960 covered a total distance of 638 miles and yielded 1,121 dead birds (44 species). Albatrosses, petrels and shearwaters constituted 80 per cent. of the total specimens, the most abundant species being Pachyptila turtur (307 specimens), Puffinus gavia (158) and Puffinus griseus (129). The finding of four sooty terns (Sterna fuscata) was unusual. Highest seabird mortalities were recorded during the period August to December, and rates of mortality were higher on the west coast of the North Island than elsewhere.