210 ALCINM. 



FAMILY XL VI. ALCIN^E. ALCINE BIKDS, 

 OR AUKS. 



The species which constitute the family of the Alci 

 nae are generally of moderate size, a few, however, be 

 ing small, and one or two of large dimensions. The; 

 are easily known hy their general appearance ; the body 

 being large, full, compact, ovate, or somewhat elongated 

 the neck short and thick ; the head large, broadly ovate 

 anteriorly narrowed. Bill short or of moderate length 

 much compressed, generally very high, sometimes rathe 

 slender, with both mandibles more or less pointed. Th 

 mouth rather wide ; palate flat, with longitudinal ridges 

 tongue slender, tapering, trigonal, pointed, and thin 

 edged ; oesophagus very wide, thin, generally much di 

 lated in its lower part ; stomach moderate, or rathe 

 large, roundish, with a moderately thick muscular coat 

 and dense, plicate epithelium ; intestine rather long 

 cceca of moderate size. Nostrils small, linear, ba 

 sub-marginal. Eyes small. Apertures of ears very 

 small. Feet short, rather stout, placed far behind ; tibi 

 bare for a short space ; tarsus very short, compressec 

 anteriorly scutellate ; toes three, of moderate length 

 connected by webs ; claws rather small, strong", archec 

 compressed, acute. Plumage dense, soft, blended ; wing 

 small, narrow, pointed ; tail very short, rounded. 



The Alcinse are marine diving-birds, which irihabi 

 especially the cold and temperate regions of both conti 

 nents, breeding on rocks or islets in the northern parts 

 usually in vast numbers. Owing- to the position of thei 

 feet, they stand in a raised posture, walk ill, but swim 

 with great agility. They are most expert divers, an< 

 their short firm wings are especially well adapted fo 

 aiding their progress under water. Their food consist 



