ALClN.t:. 



695 



THE RAZORBILL. 



Alca t6rda, Linnaeus. 



The Akcc, or Auks, are pelagic birds endowed with great powers 

 of diving, while they swim admirably below as well as on the surface 

 of the water. They are found only in the higher or the temperate 

 regions of the Northern hemisphere, and have little structural 

 affinity with the Penguins of the Southern oceans, with which they 

 have been frequently associated, owing to a confusion of popular 

 names and a certain superficial resemblance. The Razorbill is one 

 of the best known members of the family, and, together with the 

 Common Guillemot and the Puffin, may be seen in the tide-way off 

 our coasts throughout the year ; but all three species can be best 

 observed during the breeding-season, when they assemble by 

 hundreds and thousands on suitable precipices and island-cliffs 

 throughout the United Kingdom. They usually arrive in the 

 latter part of March or early in April, and after the duties of in- 

 cubation are over they return to the open sea, accompanied by their 

 young. The Razorbill is, however, less plentiful than the Guille- 

 mot or the Puffin, and is rather more partial to sheltered waters. 



