AI.CID.B. 



679 



THE RAZOR-BILL. 



Alca torda, Linnaeus. 



The Alcidic — or Auks — are pelagic birds endowed with <Teat 

 powers of swimming and diving : they are only found within the 

 higher or the temperate regions of the Northern hemisphere, and 

 have little structural affinity with the Sp/ie/iisddce — or true Penguins 

 — of the Southern oceans, though they are frequently associated 

 with them, owing to a confusion of popular names and a certain 

 superficial resemblance. The Razor-bill 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 through- 

 out the year ; but all three species can be best observed during the 

 breeding-season, when they assemble by hundreds and thousands 

 on suitable cliffs, isolated stacks, and islands. They usually arrive 

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

 of incubation are over they return to the sea, accompanied by their 

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

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



