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at Matinicus Rock in 1900, (Dutcher, Auk, 1901, p. 92) ; according to the 

 best information at hand these birds were still breeding on the island in 

 1906. Sagadahoc; only in winter, quite scarce, (Spinney). Washington; 

 winter visitant, a few breed near Grand Menan, (Boardman) ; a breeding 

 colony was reported from Machias Seal Island as recently as 1904 by Mr. 

 Norton, and were at that time stated to number about 300 individuals, and 

 as these birds are rigidly protected they doubtless still breed there. 



Though of the former status of these birds on the Maine coast 

 we have only rumor to inform us, it seems likely that they once 

 nested along the coast in greater numbers than at present and 

 doubtless on other islands, including Seal Island on which 

 fishermen have assured me a few pair bred as recently as 1888. 

 The Matinicus Rock and Machias Seal Island colonies are the 

 only ones now remaining to us. From Matinicus Rock east- 

 ward this species is resident, while westward it occurs only from 

 fall to spring, being in summer of very limited and local dis- 

 tribution and in winter of general distribution along the coast. 

 It is hardly to be called common at any time, save that pos- 

 sibly at Machias Seal Island this term might be applied. 



Under normal conditions these birds nest in colonies, excavat- 

 ing a burrow in the earth in their more northern breeding 

 places, but generally in their Maine homes placing their eggs 

 in holes and cavities far under the rocks which form extensive 

 island seawalls. The eggs are laid in late June and July, 

 usually only one but in rare instances two being the complement. 

 The parent bird is usually at home and inflicts good strong 

 nips with its powerful bill upon any intruders. I have two 

 sets of one egg each from Baccalien Island, Newfoundland, 

 which were taken July 3, 1897. One egg was fresh and the 

 other far advanced in incubation. They were laid in nests of 

 grass at the end of the burrows and measure 2.46 x 1.70 and 

 2.59 X 1.70 respectively. They are pure white with a few 

 faint lilac and reddish brown spots scattered over the surface. 

 The downy young are said to be sooty slate colored with white 

 belly. Along our coast in winter the birds eat either fish or 

 other forms of marine life including small crustaceans. 



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