AUKS 



(32) Alca torda 



(Linn.) {Icelandic auk). 



RAZOR-BILLED AUIv;TINKER. 



Ad. in summer — White line from eye 

 to bill; brownish-black throat and 

 cheeks. In winter — Without this 

 white line and with white throat and 

 cheeks. Bill thin and quite deep, 

 crossed by a white band. L., 16.50; 

 W., 7.7s; Tar., 1.25; B., 1.30. Nest 

 — A single creamy or grayish-white 

 egg, laid on ledges of sea-clifis; not as 

 pointed as those of Murres and 

 spotted with various shades of brown; 

 3.10 X 2.00. 



Rati g e — North Atlantic, breed- 

 ing on rocky coasts and islands from 

 New Brunswick north to Ungava and 

 Greenland. Winters south regularly 

 to Long Island and casually to N. Car. 



laid on the bare rocks, and it is only the fact that they revolve 

 so easily about the small end that more of them do not roll 

 off when the birds move. The birds are very tame, or per- 

 haps stupid, as the name "Foolish Guillemot" given them 

 by fishermen would indicate. Their notes are deep, bass 

 "murres." 



RAZOR-BILLED AUKS nest in the same places and often 

 side by side with Murres. Their eggs are a little less pyri- 

 form and are always grayish-white in color, The young 

 remain on the ledges until they are capable of flight and then 

 flutter down, or are carried down to the water by their 

 parents. 



Razor-bills swim rather high in the water, with the tail 

 held almost upright. They dive easily and pursue and catch 

 fish under water, propelling themselves by their wings as 

 well as the feet. They also eat shellfish. 



Both Murres and Razor-bills spend the winter off the coast 

 regularly as far south as Massachusetts. Occasionally they 



29 



