45 
white back coloration. Its head and neck are grey and summer adults have a dull red 
throat patch. iS 
Distinctions. _Adults can be distinguished from the Common Loon by size and color- 
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. ey ; 
Economic Status. Similar to the Common Loon in this respect, but 
of less importance on account of its smaller numbers. 
FAMILY—ALCID®. 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 our 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. FR.—LE MACAREUX ARCTIQUE. PERROQUET. 
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. 
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