1898.] NATURAL SCIENCES OF PHILADELPHIA. 127 



common forms. Large bands of this species were observed at Point 

 Barrow during the month of September. For the most part these 

 birds were making their way to the south, usually flying high and 

 announcing their passage by hoarse, grating cries. 



In regard to this Loon, Nelson writes : " The Red-throated Loon 

 is one of the very few birds which raises its voice in the quiet of the 

 long Arctic night. It is abundant at Point Barrow where it is sup- 

 posed to breed. It also breeds upon the Commander Islands." 

 Hab., (Ridg.), northern portions of the northern hemisphere, breed- 

 ing in Arctic regions ; in North America, south in winter, nearly 

 across the United States. One specimen, (No. 3,374, Stanford 

 University), a male in full breeding plumage taken July 19th at 

 Orca, Alaska, S. W. 



ALCIDJE. 



12. Lunda cirrhata. Tufted Puffin. 



A single individual of this species came flying past our vessel 

 May 27th, in longitude 126° W., latitude 47° N. ; this was the first 

 specimen seen. It circled around us twice and was off again like a 

 shot. The following day three more were observed, and from this 

 time they became more and more abundant as we advanced to the 

 north until about June 16th, longitude 159° 50' W., latitude 51° 

 56' N. From this date and position there was a rapid decrease in 

 the number observed ; in fact, Tufted Puffins were not met with in 

 any great abundance north of the Aleutian Islands, their place being 

 taken by the Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata?). 



In their flight past our vessel these birds would usually circle 

 around us two or three times, turning their heads to one side and 

 looking down at us in a comical and knowing manner, and in many 

 ways manifesting a high degree of curiosity. Seven adult speci- 

 mens of Lunda cirrhata are in the Stanford University collection, 

 four of which are from Nutchuk, Alaska, July 5th ; three from the 

 Pribyloff Islands. Hab., coasts^and islands of the North Pacific, 

 from southern California to Alaska, and from Bering Strait to 

 Japan ; accidental in the Bay of Fundy and Kennebec River. 



14. Fratercula corniculata. Homed Puffin. 



We first observed Horned Puffins June 20th in longitude 165° 

 53' W., latitude 51° 30' N. From this position until we reached 

 Point Hope north of Kotzebue Sound they were common. At 

 King's Island near Port Clarence, Alaska, these birds nest in great 



