124 LITTLE GUILLEMOT. 
1811, and was sent to Wilson as a great curiosity. It mea- 
sured nine inches in length, and fourteen in extent; the bill, 
upper part of the head, back, wings, and tail, were black ; the 
upper part of the breast and hind head were grey, or white 
mixed with ash ; the sides of the neck, whole lower parts, and 
tips of secondaries, were pure white ; feet and legs, black ; 
shins, pale flesh colour; above each eye there was a small 
spot of white;* the lower scapulars, streaked slightly with the 
same. 
The little guillemot is said to be but a rare visitant of the 
British Isles. It is met with in various parts of the north, 
even as far as Spitzbergen ; is common in Greenland, in com- 
pany with the black-billed auk, and feeds upon the same kind 
of food. The Greenlanders call it the ice-bird, from the cir- 
cumstance of its being the harbinger of ice. It lays two bluish 
white eges, larger than those of the pigeon. It flies quick, 
and dives well; and is always dipping its bill into the water 
while swimming, or at rest on that element ; walks better on 
North America and Kamtschatka ; often seen on the western coasts of the 
United States in winter. 
2. M. glacialis, Leach.—Puffin of Wilson’s List.—Inhabits the arctic parts 
of both continents ; not uncommon in winter on the coasts of the United 
States. 
This species has of late been looked for on the coasts of Britain, but 
yet, I believe, without success. The chief and easiest detected difference 
is in the size and form of the bill Mr Pennant observed a difference in 
the bills of several species from different parts, and Dr Fleming puts the 
question—“ Have we two species?” I think it more than probable that 
this bird has been overlooked from its near alliance, and that, though 
comparatively rare, it will be yet found to occur on our own coasts. 
3. Mormon arcticus.—Puffin of Wilson’s List.—The common puffin of Europe, 
and migratory to the temperate shores of the United States. 
Alca, Linn. 
1. A. torda.—Razorbill of Wilson’s List. -Common in winter along the coasts 
of the United States. 
2. A. impennis.—Great Auk.—Inhabits the arctic seas of both continents, 
where it is almost constantly resident. 

* In Peale’s Museum there is an excellent specimen of this species, 
which has likewise a smaller spot below each eye. 

