ALCID.E — THE ALKS — CEPPIIUS. 



491 



tenniiml spots of white, niul rump nnd lower parts indistinctly barn^d with {grayish dusky. Pili'uni 

 showiuj,' very little concealed dusky. Downy youmj: rnilorni blafkish-l'uli;j;inous, paler and more 

 grayish below. 



Total length, about 12.50 to 13 50 inches; extent, 22.(K) to 2;J.(H); wing, G.2.')-7.2() ; ouliiun, 

 l.(H)-1.20; gonys, .45-..")"); deptii of bill through middle of nostril, .IJ.V.-IO ; tarsus, 1,20-1.30; 

 middle toe, without claw, 1.25-1.35.' 



Specimens from various localities agree very closely 

 in coloration. The only one suthciently abnormal to call 

 for special mention is No. 70318, Kiiigwah Fiord, Cum- 

 berland Sound, June 9, 1S7S ; L. Kumijen, collector. 

 This has the seven outer primaries marked with a small 

 white terminal spot, anterior to which are several gray- 

 ish transvei-se bars, like " water-marks." The chiw.^, 

 instead of being jet black, are pale brownish yellow 

 ("light pink" in life). 



This .species is included by Dr. Vessels, under 

 the name ^>/'^ !/>'!/l/i', in his list of species taken 



by the "Polaris'' Expedition in Smith's Sound; and Captain Feilden found it breed- 

 ing at various ])oints along the shores of Smith's Sound and northward, especially at 

 Washington Irving Island, Dobbin I>ay, Cape Hayes, and IJessels I?ay. It was not 

 ascertained to breed north of Cape Union. Two or three of these birds were seen 

 feeding in pools on the Hoe as far north as lat. 82° 33' N. ; but tlu'se were evidently 

 stragglers. 



Dr. Walker, in liis Xotes upon the Birds observed in the Voyage of the " Fox," 

 mentions his having procured this species in midwinter in 1858 and 1859; and 

 the Black Guillemot is also included by Professor Keinhardt among the birds of 

 Circenland, resident throughout the year. 



llichardson states that this (ruillemot abounds throughout the Arctic seas and 

 straits, from Melville Island to Hudson's Pay, and that it remains — though in 

 diminished numbers — throughout the winter in the pools of open water that occur 

 among the ice-floes even in the highest latitudes. 



Jlr. Hearne. in liis ''Journey to the Northern Ocean '' (p. 4L*8), states that this bird 

 is known in the Hudson's Pay Kegion as the '' Sea Pigeon.'' It is said to frecpient 

 the siu)res both of the Paj' and of the contu^cting straits in considerable lumdx'rs 

 but more particularly the northern parts, where it flies in large flocks; to the soutli- 

 ward it is seen only in pairs. In weight it is said to bi' fully ecjual to a Widgeon, 

 though to appearance not so large. It usually makes its nest in holes of rocks, and 

 lays two eggs that are justly regarded as a great delicacy, being excellent eating. 

 Peferring to tlie statement of Mr. Pennant, that this (Juillemot braves the coldest 

 winters in that region, he states that it is never known to makes its appearance near 

 the land after the frost becomes severe. 



This is eniinently a resident si)ecii's, occupying one locality continuously, provided 

 it finds there constant sui)i)lies of food. In localities that become ice-bound, or where 

 in winter food is not abundant, we find it shifting its (puirters to : .ore attractive 

 regions. 



1 Ten adults. The largest in the scries iiie n specimen in suiuaier plumage fmui Ilenild Island, and 

 one in winter dress from St. Michael's, Alaska. 





'ici!; Il 



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