162 EOTCHE. 



is finally cast ashore and wrecked at those tempestuous 

 seasons, when even 



'The sturdy rock, for all his strength, 

 By raging seas is rent in twain.' 



But, except in such extremities, the Little Auk surmounts 

 with ease the summit of the highest wave, or meeting it as 

 it advances, dives through the midst, and emerges safely on 

 the other side to pursue its course over the wild watery 

 waste. 



True birds of the ocean, these Auks usually keep to deep 

 sea-water, and approach the shore only during bad weather. 

 They have been noticed on one occasion, in Orkney, on 

 fresh-water lochs. 



They fly fast, at a low elevation, and on the land are able 

 to walk about with ease. They can remain below the water 

 for about two minutes. 



Their food is composed of small Crustacea. 



The note of this interesting little bird is a pretty chirrup 

 or pipe, partly plaintive and partly lively; it resembles the 

 syllables 'try' and 'eye,' frequently repeated, especially when 

 engaged with the nest. 



The shelter of a chance stone on the earth or rock in 

 some precipitous spot, from whence it can readily drop into 

 the water, or take flight, is all that the Little Auk thinks 

 it necessary to seek or provide in the shape of a nest, 

 unless some cavernous hollow present itself, and this, if suitable, 

 will be taken advantage of by several individuals. 



The egg of this small sea-bird is of an uniform pale bluish 

 green; some specimens are spotted with rust-colour. It is 

 of an oval shape, and the ends obtuse. 



Several of these birds build in company, from fifty to a 

 hundred or so. 



'While one of the parent birds sits on the eggs, the other 

 may be seen close by, perched on a rock or stone. The 

 young do not leave the nest before they are fully fledged.' 



Male; length, about eight inches and a half, or eight and 

 three quarters to nine; the bill is black, short, and thick; 

 both mandibles are notched, and there are two slight furrows 

 on the upper one. Iris, dark brown; over it is a small 

 white spot or speck. Head on the crown, which is flat in 

 shape, neck, nape, chin, and throat, deep glossy velvet black j 



