RAZORBILL. 



ALCA TORDA, Linn. 



Alca torda, Linn. S. N. i. p. 210 (1766) ; Naum. xii. p. 606; 



Hewitson, ii. p. 468 ; Yarr. ed. 4, iv. p. 55 ; Dresser, 



viii. p. 557. 

 Utamania torda, Macg. v. p. 346. 



Pingouin macroptere, French ; Tord-Alk, German ; Pin- 

 guino, Gallareta de mar, Spanish. 



This is a common cliff-breeding species on our coasts, 

 and to be found at all seasons of the year in our British 

 seas. 



The Razorbill feeds entirely by diving, at which it is 

 very expert ; in general habits it much resembles the 

 Common Guillemot and Puffin, frequenting the same 

 cliffs for breeding-purposes as those species, though in 

 considerably smaller numbers. The egg of the Razor- 

 bill is less pointed or pear-shaped than that of the 

 Guillemot, and is not subject to so many variations in 

 colour and markings as the produce of that bird, the 

 usual type being of a dingy-white ground-colour, with 

 dark brown blotches and streaks. The young birds are 

 carried down to the sea by their parents before they can 

 fly, and diligently instructed in the art of diving. As 



