BLACK GUILLEMOT. 
41 
it from the bottom of the sea; ten fathoms is the fullest 
extent of depth that it hunts over, and its descent and 
ascent must consequently be performed with great swiftness, 
since the extent of its time under water does not appear 
to exceed two minutes. 
The greater numbers of the Black Guillemot are re¬ 
produced in the most northern parts to which its migration 
extends; but many pairs breed as far south as our northern 
islands, and also in Denmark. 
Small parties are always found to occupy a certain space 
on the rocky shelves by the sea-side for this purpose, and 
invariably select the lowest situations about the rocky shores, 
where myriads of other sea-birds congregate for the same 
purpose. 
In consequence of the amiable disposition of the present 
species towards its mate, and the great attachment shown 
towards each other, this bird is frequently called the 
Pigeon of the North. About the middle of March the 
birds pair, and by the beginning of June, two eggs, 
as represented in our Plate, are found lying on the bare 
ground. Twenty-four days after, the young are hatched, 
and tended by both parents until they are able to fly and 
obtain food for themselves by diving. 
The Black Guillemot measures thirteen inches and a 
half in length; the beak, one inch, two lines; the tarsus, 
the same length; the wing, six inches seven lines, from 
the carpus to the tip. 
The spring plumage of the adult is a uniform brownish- 
black, with exception of part of the wing-coverts, and a 
small patch above the shoulder of the wing, which are 
pure white ; the legs and feet, as also the entire inside of 
the beak and throat, are orange-red; the beak is black, 
the eyes brown. 
