BIRDS. 
239 
Order 7. ALC^. 
Family ALCID^. 
367. AIca torda, L. Razorbill. 
Occasional in winter and spring; numbers thrown up dead 
after a storm on the east coast, on these occasions far out- 
numbering the guillemots in quantity, in about the propor- 
tion of six to one. 
Abundant on Handa and elsewhere, such as Cearvig Bay 
and Cliffs of Clomore, etc., on the north coast. The annual 
reports of the Committee on Migration of Birds for the 
British Association show with what marvellous regularity 
they appear at their various breeding-stations, and then 
leave again in autumn, along with other rock-birds. 
A common species in many parts of the Caithness coasts, 
inhabiting somewhat similar places as the guillemot. A 
large colony occurs, almost to the exclusion of guillemots, 
on the rocks of the east coast at a place south of Hemp- 
riggs Castle. 
aica tmjjcnnts, L. <Kat:eftitol. 
{See Introductory Eemarks.) 
368. Lomvia troile {L.). Common Guillemot. 
Occasional visitant on the east coast, especially in winter and 
spring, and often thrown up dead after a storm. 
When guillemots or razorbills are observed swimming 
near the shore in winter on the east coast, they are generally, 
if not always, weakly birds, and probably perish. 
Exceedingly abundant on Handa; the summit of the 
Stack and the regular niched ledges of the cliffs literally 
swarming with life. The bridled or ringed variety {U. 
