44 
profile, nearly as deep as long, flattened, and knife-like in section. In 
winter, Puffins shed most of the brilliant plates that form their extraordinary 
bill and consequently at that season it is much reduced in size and colora- 
tion. However, immediately after the nesting season, Puffins go out to 
sea, where they scatter and are seldom seen in that condition, 
k 
12. Tufted Puffin. Lunda drrhata. L, 15-50. A very dark brown bird, almost 
black on back and crown, with white face, and in full plumage with long, sweeping, 
plume-like crests of straw yellow, springing from behind 
and over the eye, falling almost to the shoulders. The 
bill iB nearly 2 inches high at base and 2\ long, and 
coloured bright red (Figure 81). An altogether 
extraordinary looking bird. 
Figure 81 
Tufted Puffin; scale, J. 
Distinctions . Enormous red bill, dark underbody, 
and long, sweeping, straw-coloured crests. Young 
Tufted Puffins, before the large bill has developed, are 
very like young Rhinoceros Auklets, but lack the 
horn on top of bill (See Figure 83) which is rudimentary 
even at that age in those birds. 
Field Marks. The striking, coloured bill is conspicuous in the Puffins in life. The 
distinctive character of this species is probably the dark underbody, instead of white as 
in the next species, and the conspicuous light-coloured crests. 
Nesting. In cracks and crannies of rocks, or in burrows in the ground. Cliffs or 
steep banks preferred. 
Distribution. The Pacific coast of North America, breeding from California to Bering 
sea. 
The known breeding grounds in Canada of these striking and interesting birds are 
about the south end of Vancouver island, the Triangle, and Queen Charlotte islands. 
Others no doubt exist. 
14. Horned Puffin. Fratercula comiadala. L, 14*50. A slightly smaller Puffin than 
the Tufted, but with a similarly flattened and deepened bill. The whole face is pure white 
(Figure 82), as is the underbody, and there are no crests. 
Distinctions. The black neck and throat and white 
underbody in contrast with the all-black body of the pre- 
ceding species, the only bird likely to be confused with it, 
are unmistakable. It gets its name of “Homed” from 
the peculiar excrescent growth from the eyelids, one pro- 
cess of which projects upward nearly half an inch like a 
rather flaccid, erectile horn. 
Field Marks. Puffins in summer are always recognizable 
by their big, showy bills. The white instead of almost 
black underparts should be distinctive from the previous 
species. 
Nesting. In crevices in sea-cliffs or in burrows in the ground. 
Distribution. Coast and islands of Bering sea south just to Canadian territory. We 
have no substantiated breeding records in Canada. 
This Puffin probably migrates in winter seaward rather than south 
along the coast and we have no record of it for southern British Columbia. 
It should be looked for along the outer coast of Vancouver island. 
Figure 82 
Homed Puffin; scale, J. 
Subfamily — Aethiinae. Auklets. Murrelets. Guillemots 
This subfamily is composed of the smaller members of the family — 
as their names imply — the little Auks, Murres, etc. In general structure and 
habits they are but smaller representatives of their larger relatives. 
