490 ALCIDAH 
breeding-haunts, in large numbers, and in midwinter it is 
much more partial to the sheltered waters of bays and 
creeks, and in a less degree to tidal rivers, than to the wide 
expanse of oceanic waters. During the winter months 
single birds or small parties may be observed swimming 
close to the shore, but I have very rarely known of storm- 
driven examples being picked up dead on the _ beach. 
Another distinguishing feature of the Black Guillemot is 
its plumage-marking. Even at a distance on the water the 
general sooty-brown colour and bright white patch on the 
wing are very noticeable: the winter-garb,! however, and 
that of the immature bird conform more to the Auk type of 
plumage. Again, the Black Guillemot, alone among British 
Auks, hatches more than one egg at a time, and her young 
remain in the nesting-hole until they are able to fly. 
This species is most numerous in the northern portions 
of the British Isles. It may be regarded as plentiful in the 
large Northern and Western Island-Groups, becoming less 
so along the eastern sea-board. 
On the English coast, especially in the south, also in 
Wales, 1t 1s comparatively scarce. 
In Ireland it is met with most frequently along the north 
and west coasts, resorting in spring and summer to the wild 
rocky shores washed by the Atlantic. 
Flight.—On the wing the Black Guillemot travels with 
rapidly-beating pinions, and it may be seen also scudding 
along the sea with its feet dangling and striking the water. 
Like other non-gregarious birds it approaches its nest 
cautiously from fear of being detected, so that its to and 
fro movements between cliff and sea cannot be studied with 
the same ease as in the case of its congeners. 
Votce.—The cry is much more audible at a little distance 
than that of either the Razorbill or Common Guillemot ; 
the note is plaintive and highly-pitched. 
Food.—This consists of small fish, crabs,? and other marine 
creatures. It would appear that the Black Guillemot often 
dives and ascends almost perpendicularly ; I have frequently 
observed it rise close to the spot where it first descended. 
1 Except that of very old birds which retain the dark plumage 
throughout the year (vide DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS). 
> In the stomachs of several Black Guillemots which I collected off 
the west coast of Ireland in April, 1900, [ found the remains of various 
species of crabs which Mr. E. Holt very kindly identified as follows :— 
