117 



LITTLE AUK. 



COMMON ROTCH. 

 PLATE CCIX. FIG. I. 



Alca alle, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Mergulus melanoleucos, FLEMING. SELBT. 



THE shelter of a chance stone on the earth or rock in some pre- 

 cipitous 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/ 



