120 OUR RESIDENT BIRDS 



Legs and feet orange-red. Length n in. Female, 

 slightly larger and more rufous above. In winter, upper 

 parts duskier, under parts white, flecked only with dark 

 spots. Young : marked with rusty buff on upper parts ; 

 under parts dusky, spotted and striped with greyish 

 brown. Nestling : ruddy buff above and paler below, 

 black streak through eye, and three stripes down back. 



Language. A clear ringing " leero " or " tiu-too-too," 

 several times repeated. 



Habits. Flight somewhat heavy and wavering. White 

 band on wings conspicuous. It swims well, and can dive 

 if occasion demands. Food usually obtained by wading. 

 When disturbed on its breeding-grounds it becomes 

 most vociferous and excited. Shy and wary. When 

 standing it bobs its head and jerks its tail. 



Food. Marine insects, Crustacea, mollusca, and worms. 



Nest. April or May. One brood. 



Site. In slight depression on the ground, in tuft of 

 rushes, &c., always well-concealed, and not far from 

 water. 



Materials. A few grasses and bents. 



Eggs. Four. Pale buffish brown or stone-colour, 

 spotted and blotched with rich dark brown, lighter brown 

 and neutral tint underlying. Pyriform shape. 



COMMON GUILLEMOT (Una troile). 



Widely distributed and common round our coast- 

 lines, keeping out to sea for the greater part of the year. 

 At breeding time it takes up its position on precipitous 

 cliffs, notably at Flamborough Head, in Scotland 

 (especially the Bass Rock), on the Fame Islands, Isle 

 of Wight, Dorset, Devon, and Cornish coasts, at Scilly 

 and Lundy, and on the Welsh and Irish coasts, &c. 



Observation. Distinguish from Razorbill by brown 

 upper parts and slenderer bill. 



Plumage. Head, neck, and upper parts chocolate- 



