22 



Birds of Nokth Caholina 



The Red-throated Loon oc'cur:< on the Atkintic coast locallj- in autumn, winter, 

 and spring as far south as South Carolina. AHhough the average specimen (Fig. 

 4) is decidedly smaller than is the Common Loon, the birds are not readily dis- 

 tinguished at a distance while in their winter plumage. 



Fig. 4. Uku-Thuoatcd Loon (Si»ring Plumage). 



H. H. Brimley reported this one as common on Neu.se River in .January, 1885. 

 Two specimens were procured at New Bern in March, 1892, by Pearson. Bishop 

 secured one at Pea Island, March 3, 1907. Adickes found the species common at 

 Cape Lookout in February, 1909, at which time he collected several specimens. 



3. FAMILY ALCID/E. AU KS. MU RRES. AND PU FFINS 



About thirty sjiecies are represented in tiiis family. 'I'hcy are all birds of the 

 northern regions, and pass their time on the sea except wlicn they gather, often in 

 great numbers, to rear their young upon the cliffs of rocky islands. They secure 

 their food of fish, Crustacea, and other ac|uatic animal-life, from the ocoan, employ- 

 ing both wings and feet to aid them in their submarine journeys. Stragglers 

 representing three genera, each with a single species, have been taken on our coa.st. 



These three genera, together with two others, members of which may l)e found 

 to occur in the State, may be distinguished by the following characteristics; 



KEY TO GENERA 



1. Inner cl.'iw miicli larcpr and more curved than the othor.s; rorners of nioutli with a rosette 

 of thick naked skin; hill ure.atly eonipressed, almost as deep a.s lonR. Friitercula. 



1. Inner daw similar in size and form to the others; no rosette at corner of mouth. See 2. 



2. Bill very short and hroad, the angle; of chin nearer to tip of bill thai\ to nostril; culmcn 



curved. Allt. 



