45 



white back coloration. Its head and neck are grey and summer adults have a dull red 

 throat patch. 



Distinctions. Adults can be distinguished from the Common Loon by size and colo r- 

 ation as above. Juveniles can be recognized by their finely spotted backs in distinction 

 from the slightly grey marginations of the Common Loon. 



Field Marks. Size and back coloration. 



Nesting. Breeding habits similar to those of the preceding species. 



Distribution. Ranges over the whole of Canada, scarce in the interior, more common 

 on the coasts. Breeds in the east from northern Ontario, central Quebec, and New Bruns- 

 wick northward. 



Economic Status. Similar to the Common Loon in this respect, but 

 of less importance on account of its smaller numbers. 



FAMILY ALCID.E. AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS. 



General Description. This family is composed of strictly maritime species of rare or 

 only accidental occurrence on fresh water. Though most at home in the water they stand 

 upright on land and walk about with considerably more ease than either the grebes or 

 loons. Their bills are subject to a greater degree of variation than the aforementioned 

 families, ranging from the straight tapering shape of the Murres to the deep compressed 

 bill of the Puffin. 



Distinctions. The obvious diver-like form combined with webbed feet and no hind 

 toes (Figure 12, p. 20) is diagnostic. 



Field Marks. General resemblance to ducks, but their short necks and pointed and 

 sometimes deepened and narrowed bill are characteristic. 



Nesting. Breed in large colonies, often of mixed species, on rocky islets or on inaccess- 

 ible sea-washed cliffs. Build no nest but lay their eggs directly on the ground. Their 

 eggs are unusually large for the size of the bird and markedly pyriform, a shape that 

 causes them to roll in circles rather than in straight lines and lessens the danger of their 

 falling from the bare, rocky, nesting ledges. 



Distribution. Over our sea coast from pur southern borders to the Arctic. They are 

 only casual on fresh water, though one species has indulged in occasional abnormal, erup- 

 tive migrations to the lower great lakes. 



This family frequents the open sea, coming ashore only to breed. 

 They differ from the other divers in habitually using their wings under 

 water as in flying. On the Labrador coast their eggs are much used by the 

 fishermen for food. 



Economic Status. Eating nothing but the smaller sizes of fish and 

 crustaceans taken at sea, where the supplies are more than ample, there is 

 little harm that these species can do. 



13. Puffin. SEA PARROT. PAROQUET. PR. LE MACARETTX ARCTIQUE. PERROQXJET. 



Fratercula arctica. L, 13. The Puffin is a grotesque little diver, black above, white 

 below, and with a grey face. It is notable for its absurdly deepened and flattened bill, 

 nearly as high as long and highly coloured with reds and yellows. 



Distinctions. Bill is always distinctive. 



Field Marks. Bill can be recognized in life nearly as far as the bird can be seen. 



Nesting. Breed in the crannies and cracks of rocky cliffs or burrow in the soil on 

 lonely islets. Along the Canadian Labrador coast there are several "Paroquet" islands 

 so-called from the great numbers of these birds breeding on them. However, the depreda- 

 tions of fishermen have sadly reduced their numbers and unless protective steps are taken 

 they will shortly be exterminated. 



Distribution. Puffins are distributed over the sea coast on both sides of the Atlantic 

 from Canada and England northward far into the Arctic zone. 



A sight of this bird is sufficient for recognition of the appropriateness 

 of the names Parrot or Paroquet. Unlike other divers it stands up on 

 its toes and is quite agile afoot. 

 57172 4* 



