84 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



ing to its legs rather than its wings as a means of 

 escape from danger, causing its rapid increase in some 

 counties to be regarded as anything but acceptable. 



In tlie early spring, numbers are frequently picked 

 up drowned in the broads in Norfolk and Suffolk : this 

 is regarded by some of the natives as a proof that fresh 

 arrivals take place at that season ; but I myself, having 

 often noticed their quarrelsome disposition, believe that 

 while flying in pursuit of one another over the water, 

 they become confused, and falling, are unable to regain 

 the shore. 



Part of the specimens in the case were picked up 

 drowned on Heigham Sounds, in the east of Norfolk, 

 in March, 1873, the remainder being killed in the 

 Heigham Marshes the following December. 



RINGED GUILLEMOT. 



Case 84. 



It has usually been, I believe, an open question 

 among scientiflc naturalists, whether this bird is 

 simply a variety of the Common Guillemot or a true 

 species. 



Without attempting to give an opinion either way, 

 I consider it strange, if it is a variety, that specimens 

 are never obtained with a partial ring or bridle ; not 

 a single instance having ever occurred where a bird so 

 marked has been obtained. 



It has been stated, I believe, on good authority, 

 that this bird has been observed paired with the 

 common species. 



I have obtained specimens in the English Channel, 

 both in spring and winter, nnd they may be found in 



