162 ROTCHE. 
is finally cast ashore and wrecked at those tempestuous 
seasons, when even— 
‘The sturdy rock, for all his strength, 
By raging seas is rent in twain.’ 
But, except in such extremities, the Little Auk surmounts 
with ease the summit of the highest wave, or meeting it as 
it advances, dives through the midst, and emerges safely on 
the other side to pursue its course over the wild watery 
waste. 
True birds of the ocean, these Auks usually keep to deep 
sea-water, and approach the shore only during bad weather. 
They have been noticed on one occasion, in Orkney, on 
fresh-water lochs. 
They fly fast, at a low elevation, and on the land are able 
to walk about with ease. They can remain below the water 
for about two minutes. 
Their food is composed of small crustacea. 
The note of this interesting little bird is a pretty chirrup 
or pipe, partly plaintive and partly lively; it resembles the 
syllables ‘try’ and ‘eye,’ frequently repeated, especially when 
engaged with the nest. 
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.’ 
Male; length, about eight inches and a half, or eight and 
three quarters to nine; the bill is black, short, and thick; 
both mandibles are notched, and there are two slight furrows 
on the upper one. Iris, dark brown; over it is a small 
white spot or speck. Head on the crown, which is flat in 
shape, neck, nape, chin, and throat, deep glossy velvet black; 
