96 



LITTLE AUK. 



COMMON ROTCH. 

 PLATE CCIX. FIG. I. 



Alca alle, Penxant. Montagu. 



Mergulus melanoleucos, . . . Fleming. Selby. 



The shelter of a chance stone on the earth or rock 

 in some precipitous spot, from whence it can readily 

 drop into the water, or take flight, is all that the Little 

 Auk thinks it necessary to seek or provide in the shape 

 of a nest, unless some cavernous hollow present itself, 

 and this, if suitable, will be taken advantage of by 

 several individuals. 



The egg of this small sea-bird is of an uniform pale 

 bluish green; some specimens are spotted with rust- 

 colour. It is of an oval shape, and the ends obtuse. 



Several of these birds build in company, from fifty 

 to a hundred or so. 



"While one of the parent birds sits on the eggs, 

 the other may be seen close by, perched on a rock or 

 stone. The young do not leave the nest before they 

 are fully fledged." 



