BIRDS, OF THE SEASHORE 97 



BLACK GUILLEMOT (Una grytte). 



Best known as a winter visitor, but breeds fairly 

 commonly on the north and west coasts of Scotland and 

 Ireland, and sparingly on Isle of Man. 



Plumage. Sooty black. Conspicuous white patch on 

 wing-coverts. Bill black. Legs and feet vermilion-red. 

 Length 14 in. Female similar. In winter, crown white, 

 marked with black. Back barred with black and white ; 

 rump and under parts almost white. Young : much 

 like adults in winter dress ; young in down, sooty black. 



Language. A low, plaintive kind of piping or whining. 



Habits. Generally much like its commoner relative, 

 but not so gregarious. 



Food. Fish and Crustacea. 



Nest. May or June. One brood. 



Site. Not, like the Common Guillemot, on ledges, but, 

 like the Razorbill, in fissures in rocks or under rocks. 



Materials. None . 



Eggs. Two. Like Razorbill's in shape. Bluish or 

 greenish white, blotched and speckled with various 

 shades of brown and ash-grey. 



RAVEN (Corvus corax). 



Very local and rare, except in Scotland, where it is 

 more abundant. It also breeds in suitable localities in 

 the south and south-western counties, and in Ireland. 



Haunts. Mountainous districts and especially sea- 

 cliffs. 



Observation. Distinguish from Crow and Rook by 

 larger size. 



Plumage. Glossy black, with purple and Prussian 

 blue reflections. Feathers of throat elongated. Bill and 

 legs black. Length 25 in. Female slightly smaller and 

 not so lustrous. Young, like female. 



Language. A hoarse, croaking " whurk " ; also a cry 

 resembling the hoarse growl of a dog. It is a mimic. 



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