RAZOR-BILLED AUK 



32. Alca torda. 16.5 inches. 



Similar in size and form to the murre, but with a 

 short, deep, thin black bill, crossed by a white line. In 

 summer, with a white line from the eye to top of bill, 

 and with a brownish black throat; in winter, without 

 the white line and with the throat and sides of head 

 white. They nest and live in large colonies, usually in 

 company with Murres. Their food, like that of the 

 murres, puffins and guillemots is of fish and shell fish, 

 or marine worms. They get these from the rockweed 

 along the shores or by diving; they are good swimmers, 

 using both their feet and wings to propel them through 

 the water, the same as do the grebes and loons. 



Notes. A hoarse grunt or groan (Chapman). 



Nest. Their single eggs are laid on ledges of cliffs; 

 they are not nearly as pointed at the smaller end, as 

 murre eggs, and are always grayish white in color, 

 marked with blackish blotches (3.1x2.00). 



Range. Breeds from the Magdalen Islands north- 

 ward; winters south to Long Island. 



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