INTBODUOTION. 21 



the British Isles form part of a family of about thirty species — 

 a group spread over the world, mainly in the temperate regions 

 of both Hemispheres. 



Still more aquatic in their habits, and perfect in their diving 

 movements, are the half-dozen or so of Divers, par esccellence, 

 whereof our Great Northern Diver {Golymhus glaeiaKs) may 

 serve as an example. It is a large bird, which breeds in the 



Fig. 20. 



The Oommon Q-uillemot ( Uria troile). 



north of North America, and visits the coasts of England and 

 Scotland in the winter. The Divers live chiefly in the sea, 

 feeding on moderate-sized fishes, which they catch whUe under 

 water. They all inhabit high latitudes. 



Another much commoner but very interesting bird is the 

 Common Guillemot {Uria troile). Extremely maritime in its 



