BIRDS OF THE SEA 99 



than the last. It differs from same in its larger size, 

 the white patch behind each eye, and the conspicuous 

 white bar across the wings. In all other respects it 

 closely resembles the Common Scoter. 



LITTLE AUK (Mergulus alle). 



An irregular winter visitor, sometimes occurring in 

 considerable numbers. It is a circumpolar species. 

 It may be distinguished by its short, stout bill, small 

 white spot over the eye, sooty black upper parts, sooty 

 black throat (which in winter becomes white), and 

 white under parts. 



AVOCET (Recurvirostra avocetta). 



Now a rare straggler only. A few generally put in an 

 appearance in spring on our East Coasts, and would, 

 perhaps, breed as it used to years ago, but they are 

 invariably sln^t. Sometimes observed in autumn. 



Haunts. Coast-lines and estuaries. 



Plumage. Crown, forehead, side of head, scapulars, 

 median and tertiary wing-coverts, and some of the 

 primaries black. Remainder of plumage white. Bill 

 black, long, flattened, and turned up at the point. 

 Legs long, and pale blue. Length 18 in. Female 

 similar, but rather smaller. Young, duller. 



Language. A clear " kluit." 



Habits. Feeding principally on surface food, it 

 wades through the water, sweeping its curiously up- 

 turned bill from side to side much like a man mowing 

 grass with a scythe. It is also a capable swimmer. 

 Usually shy and quiet. 



