618 



THE STORMY PETREL. 



which it frequents. It swims and dives wonderfully well, and feeds largely on cuttle-fish. Dr. 

 Bennett has given an admirable description of this bird and its habits, as it appeared on Mac- 

 quarrie's Island, in the South Pacific Ocean. 



The common Guillemot is an example of the next sub-family. 



This bird is found plentifully on our coasts throughout the year, and may be seen swim- 

 ming and diving with a skill little inferior to that of the divers. It can, however, use its legs 

 and wings tolerably well, and is said to convey its yoiing from the rocks on which it is hatched, 

 by taking it on the back and flying down to the water. 



GUILLEMOT.— J/'«a troile. 



Tliere are several other species belonging to this sub-family, among which may be 

 mentioned the Black Guillemot {Uria grylle), known by its smaller size and its black 

 plumage with a large white patch on the wing. The Little Auk, or Eotche {Alle nigricans), 

 so well known in northern seas, also belongs to the same group. 



The Black Guillemot ( Uria grylle) is a common inhabitant along our Atlantic coast in 

 winter, where it is called Sea Pigeon. 



The Muere {Lomvia troile) is a common visitor on the Atlantic coast in winter, and also 

 on the North Pacific. It reaches as far south as New Jersey and California. Thirteen other 

 species of Guillemot are known to the American Avi fauna — all inhabiting the North Pacitic 

 coast. 



THE PETRELS. 



The curious family of the Petrels now comes before us. A well-known example is the 

 Stormy Petrel {ProceUnriaj>dagU:-(t\ known to sailors as the Mother Carey's Chicken, 

 and hated by them after a most illogical" manner because it foretells an approaching stonn, and 



