97 



PUFFIN. 



SEA-PARROT. COULTER-NEB. COMMON COULTER-NEB. 

 PLATE CCIX. — FIG. II. 



Mormon fratercula, . . Gotjld. 



Alca arctica, .... Pennant. Montagu. 



Fratercula arctica, . . Fleming. Selby. 



The Puffin breeds in precipitous places on the coast 

 and its adjacent islands, seeming to give a preference 

 to such as are covered with a formation of mould. 

 These birds either take possession of a rabbit-burrow, 

 or dig a hole themselves, as a receptacle for their eggs, 

 frequently to the depth of three feet, and often in a 

 curving direction, and with two entrances. The eg^ 

 is laid at the farther end. Mr. Selby adds that when 

 engaged in digging, which operation is generally per- 

 formed by the males, they are sometimes so intent upon 

 their Avork, as to allow themselves to be taken by the 

 hand; and the same may also be done when the bird 

 is sitting on its egg. The young are hatched after a 

 month's incubation. In about a like period of time they 

 come to their full feathers, and. are able to quit their 

 native burrows, and enter on their ocean of life. Meyer 

 says that where both birds have been killed, others 

 have been known to take charge of the egg or young. 



Only one egg is laid, and its colour is white, some- 

 times spotted with pale grey. 



