22 BIRDS OF NORTH CAROLINA 



The Red-throated Loon occurs on the Atlantic coast locally in autumn, winter, 

 and spring as far south as South Carolina. Although the average specimen (Fig. 

 4) is decidedly smaller than is the Common Loon, the birds are not readily dis- 

 tinguished at a distance while in their winter plumage. 



FIG. 4. RED-THROATED LOON (Spring Plumage). 



H. H. Brimley reported this one as common on Neuse River in January, 1885. 

 Two specimens were procured at New Bern in March, 1892, by Pearson. Bishop 

 secured one at Pea Island, March 3, 1907. Adickes found the species common at 

 Cape Lookout in February, 1909, at which time he collected several specimens. 



3. FAMILY ALC I D>C. AUKS, MURRES, AND PUFFINS 



About thirty species are represented in this family. They are all birds of the 

 northern regions, and pass their time on the sea except when they gather, often in 

 great numbers, to rear their young upon the cliffs of rocky islands. They secure 

 their food of fish, Crustacea, and other aquatic animal-life, from the ocean, employ- 

 ing both wings and feet to aid them in their submarine journeys. Stragglers 

 representing three genera, each with a single species, have been taken on our coast. 



These three genera, together with two others, members of which may be found 

 to occur in the State, may be distinguished by the following characteristics : 



KEY TO GENERA 



1. Inner claw much larger and more curved than the. others; corners of mouth with a rosette 

 of thick naked skin; bill greatly compressed, almost as deep as long. Fratercula. 



1. Inner claw similar in size and form to the others; no rosette at corner of mouth. See 2. 



2. Bill very short and broad, the angle of chin nearer to tip of bill than to nostril; culmen 



curved. A lie. 



