THE BIRDS OP DONEGAL. 403 



numbers. In 1879 a white Puffin was seen at Horn Head 

 several times. 



*Razorbill, Alca torda, Linn. — Breeds abundantly at Horn 

 Head, and in lesser numbers elsewhere, as at Dunaff Head. Less 

 common on this coast than the Guillemot. 



Little Auk, A, alle t Linn. — One was picked up dead in 

 Donegal Bay in the winter of L884 (A. B.), on Inver-strand. 



^Guillemot, Uria troile, Linn. — Breeds in many places round 

 the coast, but most abundantly at Horn Head. Begins to lay first 

 week in June generally — a little later than the Puffin or Razorbill. 

 The ringed variety (formerly regarded as a species) has been 

 observed breeding at Horn Head also. Mr. Brooke writes that 

 this species, as well as the Puffin and Razorbill, breeds in great 

 numbers about Tormore. 



*Black Guillemot, U.grylle, Linn. — Breeds in small numbers 

 in several places, as at Dunaff Head, Melmore Head, Horn Head, 

 Breaghy Head, &c. Sheephaven Bay is a favourite haunt of these 

 birds. At Slieve League also they are frequent. Not common at 

 Horn Head, and seems to be more solitary in its habits than 

 others of the tribe. Mr. Brooke informs me that two or three 

 pairs breed regularly at Innisduff Island. 



* Cormorant, Graculus carbo, Linn. — Very common on the 

 Donegal coast. Breeds in most of the places mentioned for 

 Guillemots, &c, but the largest assemblage I remember is at 

 Breaghy Head. Here the eggs are easy of access, which is never 

 the case with the following species. Young birds are mostly hatched 

 and gone before the Guillemots begin to lay. 



*Shag, G. cristatus, Faber. — Less common than the last species. 

 Much more numerous, however, at Horn Head, which is their 

 chief breeding-place. Shags do not breed strictly in companies, 

 like the last species, and always, if possible in the mouths of 

 caves, the latter rarely or never choosing such a station. 



Gannet, Sula bassana, Linn. — Not unfrequent, especially in 

 stormy weather, in Lough Swilly, throughout the year, but not 

 breeding in Donegal. " Often to be seen in Donegal Bay " (A. B.). 



*Common Tern, Sterna jluviatilis, Naumann. — Common and 

 breeds in many places, both inland and maritime, but especially 

 on stony islets on low-lying lakes. Mr. Brooke mentions several 

 islets in his neighbourhood, both inland and maritime, where 

 these birds breed in great numbers. 



