45 
Figure 83 
Rhinoceros Auklet; 
scale, J. 
15. Rhinoceros Auklet. Cerorhinca monocerata. L, 14-50. One of the larger mem- 
bers of the subfamily. Dark smoky brown, slightly lightening on foreneck, breast, and 
flanks and pure or dirty white below. In breeding plum- 
age, there are remarkable sparse sprays or tufts of white 
plume-like feathers extending from above the eye and the 
angle of the mouth back and downward (Figure 83). The 
name “Rhinoceros” is obtained from the single upstanding 
process at the base of the culmen, nearly half an inch high 
and half as wide. In winter, the plumes and horn are 
usually shed, the horn being indicated then and in juveniles 
only by a small, soft knob. 
Distinctions. Size, general smoky-brown coloration 
with light underbody, and the rhinoceros horn or knob at 
base of upper mandible. 
Field Marks. Probably in life to be confused only with the Puffins or the Murres. 
When seen, the horn or face tufts should be determinative. Has not the big, highly-coloured 
bill of the Puffins. Larger than the Auklets and Murrelets, smaller than the Murres and 
more stubby in build, especially about the head. Of different colour from the Guillemots. 
No bright colour anywhere. 
Nesting. In burrows in the ground, usually in Bteeply sloping banks facing the sea. 
Distribution. Coast and islands of the north Pacific. Breeding from Sitka south to 
Washington. 
We have few actual breeding records for the species in British Col- 
umbia. There are colonies, however, about the south end of Vancouver 
island and elsewhere in the lonelier spots along the coast between Van- 
couver island and the Alaska boundary. 
16. Cassin’s Auklet. Ptychoramphus aleuticus. L, 8*75. The smallest of the 
Divers commonly occurring on the Pacific coasts of Canada. The only other Diver 
that is smaller is the Least Auklet which so far has not been 
detected in our waters. Above, black, greying on back, 
deepest on crown, lightening across face and throat to ashy- 
grey (Figure 84) and blending into white underparts. Small 
white spots over and below the eye. Juveniles are similar but 
brownish instead of blackish and without the loral spot. 
Distinctions. Small size, light ashy or brownish grey 
throat, and small white spot over and below the eye. 
Field Marks. Small size and dull, obscure coloration. 
Nesting. Burrows in the ground and in some cases in 
niches ana crevices in the rocks. Often in large com- 
munities. 
Distribution. Breeding from Lower California to the Aleutian islands. North of 
California very local in distribution. The only ascertained nesting record known in 
British Columbia is at the north end of Queen Charlotte islands. 
This little Diver should be noted more often than it has been along 
our coast, especially on the outer shore of Vancouver island where breeding 
colonies will probably be found. 
17. Paroquet Auklet. Phaleris psittacula. L, 9-75. Adults: head, neck, and 
back dull brownish; all below white. Bill small, bright red, and with cutting edges 
peculiarly upturned. A narrow spray of fine white plumes 
extending backward from under the eye (Figure 85). 
Juvenile and winter plumage: with white invading the dark 
foreneck and without facial plumes. 
Distinctions. Small size, little red bill, and facial plumes. 
Field Marks. Small size, dark head, neck, and back, 
with white underparts, and little red bill should be dis- 
tinctive in suitable circumstances. 
Nesting. Under stones or in clefts in the rocks. 
Distribution. Northern Pacific and Bering Sea coasts 
of Alaska. This bird has been noted at Forrester island, 
across Dixon entrance from Queen Charlotte islands, and also in the strait of Juan de 
Fuca and must eventually be taken along the intervening coast, though up to the present 
it has not been recorded. 
Figure 84 
Casein’s Auklet; 
scale, §. 
Figure 85 
Paroquet Auklet; 
scale, J. 
