22 The Bird Rock Group. 
off-shore, to northern Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. Of the 
100,000 Gannets which were estimated by Mr. Bryant to be nest- 
ing on the top of Bird Rock in 1860, no mention being made of 
those occupying the sides, only about 1,500 remain. Gannets 
are remarkably impressive birds when on the wing, possessing in 
an unusual degree power and grace of motion. They secure their 
food of fish by diving, often from a height of forty feet or more, 
half closing their wings and plunging into the water with terrific 
force. The young are born naked, but their black skin is soon 
covered by white down, which, before they leave the nest, is re- 
placed by gray plumage. 
Gannets are the only representatives of their family in northern 
waters, the remaining species of the group being found in the 
tropics, where they are known by the name of Booby. When- 
ever found, however, they are island-nesting birds, not one species 
of Gannet, so far as known, nesting on the mainland. (For other 
species, see gallery, case C.) 
Puffins (/ratercula arctica). Not more than two hundred 
Puffins breed on Bird Rock. ‘They place their nest, with its 
single white egg, at the end of burrows which they excavate near 
the summit of the Rock. When captured, the birds make every 
effort to use their singularly formed bill, and as a weapon of 
defense they can inflict a dangerous wound with it. 
When walking or perching they stand erect on the toes, while 
the Murres and Razor-bills rest on the whole foot. Puffins are 
called ‘‘ Paroquets’’ by the French Canadians, and both in ap- 
pearance and actions they resemble those birds. The call of the 
Puffin, however, is a hoarse grunt, instead of the shrill squawk 
emitted by the Paroquet. 
Closely allied species are found in the North Pacific (see case, 
this hall), where they are an important article of food among the 
natives, who also employ their singularly formed bill in the 
ornamentation of their ceremonial garments. Aprons with Puffin 
bills attached to them to produce a rattling noise as the wearer 
danced, may be seen in hall No. 106, on the ground floor of 
the Museum. 
Leach’s Petrel (Oceanodroma leucorrhoa). Puffins sometimes 
share their burrows with the Leach’s Petrel or “ Mother Carey’s 
Chicnke,’’ but these interesting little birds also excavate burrows 
