595 



Dr. Walker observed great numbers in Melville Bay, and obtained its eggs near Cape York ; 

 and Captain Feilden met with it in Baffin's Bay. It occurs all along the east coast of British 

 North America ; and I met with it in the Bay of Fundy during the winter. According to Dr. E. 

 Coues it is found on the coasts of the United States as far south as New Jersey. 



In habits the Little Auk resembles its allies the Razorbill and the Guillemots, being essen- 

 tially a sea-bird, more so perhaps than any of those ; for during the winter it is seldom seen near 

 land, unless driven in by stress of weather, preferring the open ocean. It is said to dive with 

 ease and constantly, but seldom remains long under the surface, nor does it traverse any great 

 distance when diving. It is usually seen near drift-ice, on which numbers may be seen sitting, 

 whilst others are diving in the immediate vicinity. It feeds on small Crustacea, and probably also 

 on small fish. It flies tolerably swiftly, and can traverse considerable distances on the wing. 

 Malmgren says that it is very lively and active in its movements, and exceedingly noisy, con- 

 tinually uttering its note trrr, trrr, tet, tet, tet, trrr, especially when near its breeding-places, 

 when each one appears to try and call louder than its neighbour. It breeds in rocky places, 

 depositing a single egg in holes between the stones or in clefts of the rocks. Malmgren (J. f. O. 

 1865, p. 267) says, " the Little Auk breeds in great numbers in many parts of Spitsbergen. The 

 best-known breeding-colony is on the mainland south-east of the Horn-Sound Island, in some steep 

 piles of stones, consisting of smaller and larger boulders and pieces, which girdle the lower sides 

 of the mountains at an altitude of 200-400 feet. When I visited this place, on the 1st August, 

 the regular breeding-season was over ; for the old and young birds swarmed about these stone- 

 heaps, making a constant noise. However, we found a couple of much-incubated eggs. The 

 female deposits a single egg in a hole or passage under the stones, so deep in that the foxes 

 cannot readily get at it. In the inner portion of the Ice Fjord it breeds in many parts in vast 

 numbers, in similar heaps of stones, sometimes as high up as 800 feet above the sea-level." 

 Dr. Malmgren also says that the present species is frequently eaten and makes an excellent dish, 

 roasted Little Auks and roast Reindeer being considered the greatest delicacies that are to be had 

 in Spitsbergen. 



I am indebted to Mr. A. Benzon and Mr. Erichsen, of Copenhagen, for a considerable series 

 of eggs of the Little Auk from Egedesminde, in Greenland. These eggs are pale greenish blue, 

 some almost white ; and, as a rule, they are without markings, though some are tolerably pro- 

 fusely marked, chiefly at the larger end, with pale reddish spots. In size they vary from lf§ by 



m to m by u* i°ch. 



The specimens figured are, in the foreground, the adult bird in summer plumage and the 

 nestling, and in the background the adult in winter dress, all three being the specimens above 

 described. 



In the preparation of the above article I have examined the following specimens : — 



E Mus. H. E. Dresser, 

 a, ad.ptil. ast., b, ad. ptil. Mem. Greenland [Erichsen). c, ad. Bay of Fundy, December (G. A. Boardman). 



E Mus. A. and E. Newton, 

 a, pull. Safe Haven, Ice Sound, W. Spitsbergen, July 23rd, 1864 (A. Newton). 



