490 ALCID^E 



breeding-haunts, in large numbers, and in midwinter it is 

 much more partial to the sheltered waters of bays and 

 creeks, and in a less degree to tidal rivers, than to the wide 

 expanse of oceanic waters. During the winter months 

 single birds or small parties may be observed swimming 

 close to the shore, but I have very rarely known of storm- 

 driven examples being picked up dead on the beach. 

 Another distinguishing feature of the Black Guillemot is 

 its plumage-marking. Even at a distance on the water the 

 general sooty-brown colour and bright white patch on the 

 wing are very noticeable : the winter-garb, 1 however, and 

 that of the immature bird conform more to the Auk type of 

 plumage. Again, the Black Guillemot, alone among British 

 Auks, hatches more than one egg at a time, and her young 

 remain in the nesting-hole until they are able to fly. 



This species is most numerous in the northern portions 

 of the British Isles. It may be regarded as plentiful in the 

 large Northern and Western Island-Groups, becoming less 

 so along the eastern sea-board. 



On the English coast, especially in the south, also in 

 Wales, it is comparatively scarce. 



In Ireland it is met with most frequently along the north 

 and west coasts, resorting in spring and summer to the wild 

 rocky shores washed by the Atlantic. 



Flight. On the wing the Black Guillemot travels with 

 rapidly-beating pinions, and it may be seen also scudding 

 along the sea with its feet dangling and striking the water. 

 Like other non-gregarious birds it approaches its nest 

 cautiously from fear of being detected, so that its to and 

 fro movements between cliff and sea cannot be studied with 

 the same ease as in the case of its congeners. 



Voice. The cry is much more audible at a little distance 

 than that of either the Razorbill or Common Guillemot ; 

 the note is plaintive and highly-pitched. 



Food. This consists of small fish, crabs, 2 and other marine 

 creatures. It would appear that the Black Guillemot often 

 dives and ascends almost perpendicularly ; I have frequently 

 observed it rise close to the spot where it first descended. 



1 Except that of very old birds which retain the dark plumage 

 throughout the year (vide DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERS). 



2 In the stomachs of several Black Guillemots which I collected off 

 the west coast of Ireland in April, 1900, I found the remains of various 

 species of crabs which Mr. E. Holt very kindly identified as follows : 



