THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. 229 



SPECIES 221 THE BLACK GUILLEMOT. 



Uria grylle. Selby. 

 Guillemot a miroir blanc. Temm. 



Greenland Dove. Rock Dove. 



THE elegant black guillemot differs considerably in its dis- 

 tribution from the common species, and is much more local 

 and limited in its numbers. 



Of rarity in its occurrence in Dublin Bay, we seldom meet 

 with it until we approach Howth and Ireland's Eye, where it 

 increases along the coast from pairs to small flocks, until we 

 reach Lambay, where, from notes of their occurrence during 

 various years, we estimate that between 100 and 150 birds 

 annually incubate. The eggs we have never succeeded in 

 obtaining from that locality, although Dr. Hans Lloyd, of 

 Malahide, has informed us of having received eggs thence. 

 With the quantities of guillemots' eggs, forwarded to Dublin 

 from the west coast of Ireland, those of the black guillemot, 

 or puffin, are very rarely observed. 



At one time coasting the south-eastern extremity of Lam- 

 bay, in the month of July, the boatmen directed our attention 

 to a ledge occupied by nine rock doves, the local name of the 

 species, which were described by our informants to have had 

 nests in the clefts behind, it being a habit of the species to 

 sun themselves after flying from the sea ; their eggs were 

 described as very difficult of access from the dangerous situa- 

 tions in which they breed. With the aid of a telescope their 

 beautiful motions were plainly discernible, and admirable 

 they appeared, their black plumage and white wing-patch 

 contrasting with the reddish colour of the cliffs. A specimen 

 shot the same day, in breeding plumage, exhibited a rich vio- 

 let hue which overspread the entire plumage, in appearance 

 similar to the roseate tint observable on Sterna Dougallii 

 when newly killed. 



On the west coast Mr. Glennon describes them as common, 

 exhibiting the greatest tameness, diving almost under the 

 bow and side of the luggers plying in the Sound of Achill. 

 During winter it is never observed there, nor has it occurred 

 to our own observation upon the eastern side, although by 

 Mr. Thompson it was found, during all seasons, in the north 

 of Ireland. 



Habitat Northern Europe. 



