THE BIRD BOOK 



16. Cassin Auklet. Ptychoramphus aleuticus. 



Range. — Pacific Coast from Alaska to Lower 

 California, breeding nearly throughout its range. 



A plain appearing bird about 9 in. in length, 

 with blackish upperparts relieved only by a white 

 spot over the eye; breast and throat gray and 

 belly white. This Auklet is fairly abundant on 

 the Farallones, breeding on the lower portions of 

 the island. The late Mr. C. Barlow says that it 

 is found in deserted rabbit burrows and in all 



Horned Puffin 



Rhinoceros Auklet 



Cassin Auklet 



White 



probability often excavates its own burrows. It 

 also nests among the cliffs placing its eggs among 

 the rocks in any crevice or tunnel which may offer 

 a dark retreat during the day for they are noctur- 

 nal in their habits. The single egg which they 

 lay is dull white in color, the inside of the shell 

 being a pale green, which color can only be seen 

 by holding the egg to the light. They are gen- 

 erally slightly nest stained. Size 1.80 x 1.30. 

 Data. — Coronado Islands, Cal., March 23, 1897. 

 Single egg laid on the bare ground at end of a 

 burrow three and one-half feet long. Collector, 

 E. A. Shives. 



RHINOCEROS AUKLET 



Color white, sometimes heavily blotched, 



as above, and again unspotted 



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