124 PUFFIN. 



PUFFIN. 



SEA-PARROT. COULTER -NEB. COMMON COULTER-NEB. 

 PLATE CCIX. FIGURE II. 



Mormon fratercula, GOULD. 



Alca arctica, PENNANT. MONTAGU. 



Fratercula arctica, FLEMING. SELBY. 



rilHE Puffin breeds in precipitous places on the 

 -*- coast and its adjacent islands, seeming to give a 

 preference to such as are covered with a formation 

 of mould. The nest is made both on cliffs and high 

 rocks, and on the short verdure which obtains on any 

 level places on the sides or summit of such, or among 

 stones and boulders. At first indeed, strictly speaking, 

 there is little or no nest, but as incubation advances, 

 a few grasses may be seen commingled with some 

 feathers of the owners of the hard couch. These birds 

 either take possession of a rabbit-burrow, or dig a hole 

 themselves, as a receptacle for their eggs, frequently 

 to the depth of three feet, and often in a curving 

 direction, and with two entrances. The egg is laid at 

 the farther end. Several will sometimes occupy one 

 hole. A natural cranny or fissure in the rock will 

 equally serve the purpose, or a time-worn hole or 

 hollow in an old wall or ruin. They often build in 



