X THE PUFFIN. 



Fratercida aretiea. 



HE Puffin, or, as it is sometimes 

 called, the Sea Parrot and 

 Coulterneb, is certainly one of 

 the most singular-looking birds 

 that visit the sea-coast of 

 Great Britain; and it may 

 safely be affirmed that its dis- 

 position, habits, and general 

 characteristics are quite as re- 

 markable as its appearance. 

 The bill, which is perhaps 

 the most striking peculiarity, 

 is shorter than the head : its 

 height is greater than its 

 length; both mandibles are 

 curved towards the point, and 

 provided with sharp cutting 

 edges; it is covered with a loose 

 sheath very curiously furrowed 

 on the sides and variously 

 coloured, which is shed at the 

 end of the breeding season. 

 The basal ridge is yellow, then 

 there is a space of bluish-grey, 



